Wayne Alan Wilson

Wayne A. Wilson, 79, of Carmel, Indiana, passed away on August 5, 2026, after a courageous battle with cancer and COPD. Although his health presented many challenges these last few years, Wayne never allowed them to define him. He had beaten cancer four times before and remained positive, determined, and committed to living his life. Until the very end, what mattered most to him was being with his wife, his family, and the people he loved.

Wayne was witty, intelligent, hardworking, honest, considerate, and charismatic. He had a wonderful sense of humor and a mischievous side that never seemed to leave him. He was naturally outgoing and had an easy way of connecting with people, making friends throughout every chapter of his life. He was loyal to his friends, devoted to his family, and always willing to lend his time or help when someone needed it. Wayne was someone people could count on, and he genuinely cared about the people around him. But the people who knew Wayne best knew that beneath his humor and larger-than-life personality was a man whose biggest priority was his family.

Wayne's greatest love was his wife, Liz. They were happily married for nearly 59 years and deeply in love. They were best friends who genuinely enjoyed spending their lives together. Their relationship was built on love, communication, and a wonderful sense of wit and playfulness. They shared countless adventures and everyday moments and never lost the ability to have fun together.

Their love for one another was evident to everyone around them and became an inspiration to their family and friends. In his final years, Wayne was profoundly appreciative of all that Liz did for him and the love and care she gave him. Liz would often ask Wayne, "Have I told you today that I love you?" and he would always say of course you did. A simple reminder of the love they shared throughout their life together.

Wayne was a devoted father to his three children, Shannon, Brandon, and Mallorie. Each of his children experienced a different side of their dad. He could be stern and protective, while at other times he was relaxed, playful, and full of humor. But regardless of the side of him they experienced, they each knew how deeply he loved them. He was also a calming voice of reason for his children—a person they could turn to for perspective, reassurance, and guidance when they needed it.

Wayne taught his children the importance of honesty, integrity, and respect, but above all, he taught them the importance of family. He made time for his children, coached their teams, supported their interests, and showed up for the important moments in their lives. He wanted his children to know that no matter where life took them, they would always have each other—and that he would always be there for them.

Wayne loved being a grandpa to Kelsey, Cuyler, and Harper. He enjoyed spending time with them, whether they were simply together at home or cheering them on at their music and sporting events. He was proud of each of them and loved being part of their lives.

Wayne grew up in Red Wing, Minnesota. He had fond childhood memories there with his family, formed lifelong friendships, and became a drummer in his first band, The What Knots. At 16, his family received a special send-off from the high school marching band before boarding a train and relocating to Indianapolis. There, Wayne's love of music continued to grow as he gave drum lessons at Arthur's Music School and formed new bands. In 1965, he graduated from Broad Ripple High School and went on to attend Butler University and Indiana University, studying music and business.

After college, music ultimately became more than a passion for Wayne—it became a career. He went on to spend 15 years as a professional drummer, touring throughout the country as a member of several bands, including Waterproof Candle, Sounds Unlimited, and Love Machine. He was also the touring drummer for The Outsiders and auditioned for The Monkees. Along the way, he opened for many well-known bands and artists such as Cream, The Yardbirds, Led Zeppelin, The Who, The Beach Boys, and more.

When his years of touring came to an end, Wayne found another way to stay connected to the music industry. He founded National Talent Booking Agency and became an original booking agent for Sunshine Promotions and Deer Creek, helping Sunshine Promotions in its inception, and booking major artists and shows. At one time, his booking agency was the third largest in the country. Wayne continued to pursue his entrepreneurial spirit, eventually opening a popular teen disco club in Mohawk Plaza in Carmel.

After years in the music and entertainment industry, Wayne found another way to stay involved in the community he loved—through public service. Wayne's desire to serve his community eventually led him into politics where he served as an at-large member of the Carmel City Council from 2000 to 2003, served as city council president for one year, and served 4 years on the Carmel Plan Commission. During his time in public service, he advocated for Carmel residents and business owners and was part of the committee that helped make the Monon Trail possible. He believed Carmel could continue to grow while maintaining the small-town character and sense of community that made it special.

Encouraged by the previous mayor, Wayne later ran for Mayor of Carmel. His campaign slogan, "Going to Bat for Carmel," was a fitting reflection of his lifelong commitment to youth sports and his desire to advocate for the Carmel community. For Wayne, public service was another way to do what he had always done—show up, help others, and give back to the community he loved.

In 2000, Wayne was awarded The Rangeline Pioneer Award and the city of Indianapolis honored Wayne with Mayor Steve Goldsmith’s City Proclamation to Wayne.

Wayne eventually transitioned into banking, beginning a career that would take him to Union Savings Bank, where he ultimately became a Senior Loan Officer. He was known for his attention to detail, his knowledge, and his genuine care for the people he worked with and served.

Giving back was one of the defining qualities of Wayne's life. He devoted decades to youth sports and the Carmel community, giving his time, energy, and leadership to help create opportunities for young people.

Wayne was involved with the Carmel Dads Club for 30 years, serving as commissioner for both girls' and boys' basketball and baseball and serving two terms on its Board of Directors. He also devoted more than 20 years to Babe Ruth Baseball, serving in a variety of leadership roles. During this time, he worked alongside Terry Prather, to develop Gray Road Park Baseball Fields and Shirley Baseball Fields.

His commitment to AAU Baseball began in 1972 and continued for decades. He served in numerous capacities, including Chairman of AAU Baseball for Indiana, and his contributions were recognized with his induction into the National AAU Baseball Hall of Fame and the AAU Volunteer of the Year Award in 2007. He was Governor of Indiana AAU and was currently serving as Treasurer.

One of the many large undertakings Wayne took on came in 1994, when he served as President of the 16-Year-Old Babe Ruth World Series in Carmel. He organized and directed an event that brought together teams from multiple states and included a 1,000-person banquet, an 80-unit parade, a professional opening ceremony and Queen's Court. The event drew an unofficial attendance of approximately 48,000 people and became a memorable part of Carmel's history.

But for Wayne, service was never simply about titles, recognition, or accomplishments. He genuinely loved being involved and believed that young people benefited when adults were willing to give their time. He coached, organized, encouraged, and showed up—again and again, for decades. The awards and honors he received were a testament to his contributions, but the people he helped and the lives he touched were his true legacy.

In 1974, Wayne was asked to become Scoutmaster of Troop 199 at St. Peter's Church, a role he embraced for nearly a decade. During his time as Scoutmaster, seven of the Scouts he led advanced to the rank of Eagle Scout. One of the young men Wayne mentored through the troop was Ted Allen, who would go on to become a well-known chef and television personality on Chopped. Ted has spoken publicly about his experiences with the troop and the influence Wayne and his years in Troop 199 had on his life.

As Scoutmaster, Wayne also helped organize several memorable Scouting events, including the Tom Sawyer Camporee at Conner Prairie, the Blazing Saddles Camporee at Northern Beach, and the 75th anniversary of Scouting in Indiana at the District Camporee at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, known as the “Greatest Spectacle in Scouting.”

Wayne also served as the volunteer director of the CarmelFest Committee for nine years. During that time, he and the committee planned, presented, and secured financial donations to support Carmel's Fourth of July celebration. Under his leadership, CarmelFest became known for its magnificent parade, which at its peak featured 13 bands, wide variety of food and craft vendors, outstanding entertainment, and spectacular fireworks. What began as a community celebration grew into an event recognized for its excellence and became an important part of Carmel's Fourth of July tradition.

For 2 years, Wayne served at Indiana Sports Corporation as chairperson of the Hoosier State Games in 1995 and worked alongside Ron Carter. He served the Indianapolis Youth Hockey Association for 5 plus years as League and All-Star Commissioner.

After retiring from Union Savings Bank, Wayne found a new way to revisit one of the great passions of his life. Through his Wayback Wayne podcast, he shared stories from his years as a professional musician and memories of the bands and musical groups that shaped his career.

Over the last five-plus years, Wayne has faced significant and ongoing health challenges. His health became an increasingly large part of his daily life, but it never changed the person he was or the love he had for his family. Throughout those years, Wayne also found a deep sense of peace in his faith and his relationship with God. He had a profound understanding and acceptance of God's presence in his life, which brought him comfort and peace even during the most difficult times. He was profoundly appreciative of Liz and all she did for him, and deeply grateful for the love and support of his children and grandchildren.

One of Wayne's final gifts was the opportunity to return to Red Wing, Minnesota, the place where his story began and where so many of his earliest memories and lifelong friendships were formed. He spent time reconnecting with old friends and revisiting a place that had remained close to his heart throughout his life. When he returned home, he called it “the most perfect trip ever.” It was a fitting final chapter for a life a life well lived.

Wayne's greatest legacy will not be measured by the many things he accomplished, but by the people he loved and the lives he touched along the way. He taught his children the importance of family, gave generations of young people his time and guidance, and devoted countless hours to the community he loved. Above all, he will be remembered as a deeply devoted husband, father, grandpa, brother, friend, and mentor. His love for Liz, his children, and his grandchildren was at the heart of everything he did, and the example he leaves behind will continue through them and through the many lives he made better simply by being part of them.

Wayne is survived by his beloved wife of nearly 59 years, Liz Wilson; his children, Shannon (Mike) Weides, Brandon Wilson, and Mallorie Wilson (Patrick Riley); his grandchildren, Kelsey Simpson and Harper Wilson; his grandson, Cuyler Weides; his grand doggies Titi & Jack; and his brother, Gary Wilson. He also leaves behind many extended family members, lifelong friends, and countless people whose lives he touched with his amazing life.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Marianne and Everett Wilson; his sister, Nancy Myers; and his brother, Tom Wilson, and many other family and friends.

Visitation will be held at Leppert Mortuaries in Carmel on Friday, August 14, from 4:00–7:00 p.m. and Saturday, August 15, from 12:00–2:00 p.m. Funeral services will follow on Saturday, August 15, at 2:00 p.m.

Family and friends are invited to come together to celebrate Wayne's life, share memories, and honor the amazing man he was.