In 1941 he attended Northeast Missouri State Teacher’s College (Truman State University); his studies were interrupted in 1943 when he enlisted in the Navy and served until 1946 in the Pacific theater. He returned to Northeast Missouri State Teacher’s College where he completed his bachelor’s degree in 1948 and where he met and married Ada Rice.
They both taught in the high school at Unionville, MO for 2 years. Wayne also earned a master’s degree in school administration and both taught and was vice principal at New Cambria, MO for 1 year before moving to Hannibal, MO, where he joined IBM. His 34 year career with IBM took him to Wichita, KS, which included 6 years in Hutchinson, KS. He began his IBM career as a field service engineer for data processing equipment (e.g. key punch equipment, card sorters) and grew with the company to servicing computers, completing his career as a Senior Program Systems Representative (software support).
He was active in church as a deacon, an elder, a Bible teacher, and an avid bowler. He enjoyed traveling, especially if he was driving. His favorite trip was in 1989, driving the Alcan Highway to Alaska.
He is survived by his wife, Ada, his daughter Teresa Phillips (Overland Park, KS), his son Mark and wife Linda (White) Phillips (Kansas City, MO), grandson Timothy Phillips and granddaughter Anna Phillips.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, June 23rd, 2 PM at Overland Park Christian Church, 7600 W 75th St. In lieu of flowers please make memorial contributions to Habitat for Humanity.
