Wayne Allen Nast

Wayne Allen Nast passed peacefully surrounded by family on December 16, 2025 in Newport News, Virginia at the age of 94. He was born August 19, 1931 in Belleville, Illinois to Albertine and Clemence Nast.

Wayne was known for his energy, leadership, and wide-ranging talents. An accomplished athlete, he excelled in track and field, holding several records both at the high school and collegiate level. He was known to sportswriters simply as “The Rocket.” He was elected class president and awarded the school’s Citizen of the Year, a testament to the respect he earned from peers and teachers. He worked as a lifeguard and taught swim lessons, roles that reflected both his physical strength and sense of responsibility.

He was an active member of DeMolay, an international youth leadership organization with Masonic origins, and ultimately achieved the distinction of a 32nd degree Freemason. He continually demonstrated the dedication, and generosity of spirit that would remain hallmarks of his life.

Wayne married his high school sweetheart, Ruth, in 1954 while attending Southern Illinois University where he earned a Bachelors Degree in Education the same year.

Upon graduation, he was commissioned into the United States Air Force. His 20 year career spanned the height of the Cold and Vietnam Wars. He served with distinction as a Navigator, earning numerous commendations for outstanding service and acts of bravery. Wayne taught ROTC at Butler University, and received a Masters Degree in Business Administration from Southern Illinois University in 1972.

Upon retiring from the Air Force as a Major, Wayne settled his family in Hampton, Virginia, where he joined the faculty of Hampton High School teaching the JROTC program. He instilled values of integrity and service in the “Crabber” cadet corps. Returning to his first love, Wayne also served as Athletic Director, and was a National Track and Field Official, starting track and field events at the collegiate level.

Wayne had a beautiful baritone voice and sang in high school choirs as well as playing leading roles in musical theatre productions. He especially enjoyed singing duets with his wife, where the perfect blending of their voices illustrated their harmonious union of over seven decades.

A devoted Christian, Wayne found a home in his church community where he taught Sunday school, served in various leadership roles, directed and sang in choirs and played handbells. Most recently, he was a member of First United Methodist Church in Hampton before moving to The Chesapeake retirement community where he spent his remaining years.

Throughout his life Wayne established meaningful connections with everyone around him and was much loved and respected.

Wayne was proceeded in death by his wife, parents, his twin sister Betty Jean Nast, Nephew Roger Harpstrieth, and grandson Robert Paul Pulliam.

He is survived by his son Tom Nast (Lori); daughter Ann Colbeck (Peter); daughter Janet Pulliam (Robert); nephew Richard Harpstrieth; and grandchildren Abigail, Alex, Cameron, Dylan, Hannah, Patrick and Tristan and great granddaughter Cassidy.

A memorial service will be held on December 20, 2025 at 12:00 pm at Parklawn-Wood Funeral Home, Hampton, Virginia followed by graveside military honors internment.

The family would like to give special thanks to the activities staff (Michelle, Amanda, Linda and Lacy) at The Chesapeake, as well as Andre, Jakila, and Cathy his most beloved caregivers.

Memorial donations may be made to the HHS Athletic Department fund in his name, 1491 W. Queen St., Hampton, VA 23669.