Wayne Beauchamp

Wayne was born in Roby, Texas on February 5, 1927, and grew up in nearby Post. He was a World War II veteran who proudly served in the United States Navy as a Seaman Second Class.

After being honorably discharged in 1945, Wayne managed movie and drive-in theatres during their heyday. He opened the first commercial movie theatres in Los Alamos, New Mexico. There, he also met and married his wife of 59 years, Ernestine. Together they moved to Marfa where he ran the Palace Theatre in downtown and the drive-in from 1960 to 1967. From Marfa, Wayne moved to Pecos, Texas, where he managed the State Theatre. Though he moved away from the area in 1974, Wayne never lost affection for his beloved West Texas. He was a loyal reader of the Big Bend Sentinel until his death.

Wayne will be remembered for his kindness, gentle spirit, and devotion to his family. He is survived by his wife Ernestine Beauchamp of Dallas, Texas, son Myron “Butch” Beauchamp and Daughter-in-Law Janet Beauchamp of Rowlett, Texas, daughter, Rhonda Fellows and Son-in-Law, Sam Fellows of Prosper, Texas, son Michael Beauchamp of Scottsdale, Arizona, and son Mark Beauchamp of Boston, Massachusetts. Wayne was also known as "Papaw" to nine grandchildren and five great-grandchildren: Jacqueline Fellows Jerrell (Husband, Greg Jerrell and son, Dylan), Robert Fellows, Jeffrey Fellows (Wife, Courtney Fellows and children, Griffin, Graham, and Molly), Brandon Beauchamp, Anna Beauchamp, Logan Beaucham, Amber Beauchamp (Daughter, Addison), Alex Beaucamp (Son, Kyler), and Cassidy Beauchamp.

Funeral services will be held at All Saints Catholic Church in Dallas, Texas, on Thursday, August 23, 2012 at 10:30 am