Wayne Bobo Leatherman

Wayne was born in Rifle, Colorado, on July 25, 1973. He grew up in Parachute, Colorado, where he attended school and was active in sports and many school activities. He made the most of every opportunity to be involved and was known for his outgoing personality and ability to make friends. During his teenage years, Wayne spent his summers working at the Battlement Mesa Golf Course, where he continued to build friendships and enjoy being around people.

Wayne was the Valedictorian of the Grand Valley High School Class of 1992, an accomplishment that reflected his determination and dedication. He went on to attend Adams State College and Colorado Mesa University.

In the summer of 1994, Wayne's life changed when he was diagnosed with a cancerous brain tumor. He underwent surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation treatment at St. Mary’s Hospital. Wayne became a cancer survivor, and that experience shaped the way he lived the rest of his life. He was deeply grateful to God for the life he had been given and never took it for granted.

Wayne had a remarkable ability to find joy in life and share it with others. He loved to make people laugh and was well known for his many jokes and stories. His sense of humor was one of the things people will remember most about him. Wayne didn’t simply tell jokes—he used laughter to connect with people, brighten their days, and share the happiness he carried with him.

In the summer of 1999, Wayne moved to the Life Adjustment Program (LAP) in Grand Junction, Colorado. What began as a new chapter in his life became a home for the next 27 years. At LAP, Wayne made countless friends, participated in a variety of activities, and, of course, told more than his fair share of jokes.

Wayne was blessed to have so many nurses, caregivers, staff members, friends, and fellow residents become an important part of his life. His family extends a heartfelt thank you to everyone at the Life Adjustment Program who cared for Wayne, supported him, laughed with him, and helped make these 27 years so meaningful.

Wayne lived his life to the fullest, one day at a time. He never met a stranger. His outgoing personality, kindness, humor, and genuine love for people touched more lives than his family could ever count. He had a way of making people feel welcome, valued, and, most importantly, happy.

Wayne's faith was also an important part of who he was. He was a member of the Grand Junction Seventh-day Adventist Church and remained grateful to God for the many blessings in his life. His faith, perseverance, and joyful spirit carried him through both the difficult and wonderful moments of his life.

The family is grateful to everyone who gave Wayne the opportunity to share his joy, laughter, friendship, and love. He leaves behind a legacy not only in the memories of his family, but in the countless people whose lives he touched simply by being Wayne.

Wayne was preceded in death by his father, Oluff G. Leatherman.

He is survived by his loving family, including his mother, Linda Jarboe, and father, Roger Jarboe; his siblings, Roy E. Leatherman (Tammy), Katie R. Leatherman-Raygoza (Ricardo), Roger W. Jarboe (Linda), Heather Sharrar (Jason), and Kimberly Enright (Ryan); numerous beloved nieces and nephews; and countless friends who became like family. Andrea Stone, who brought immense joy, companionship, and love into the final nine years of his life.

A special thank you goes to Wayne’s nieces, Nicole and Shelby, for being by his side during his final days and surrounding him with love and comfort.

Services

A graveside service for Wayne will be held at Battlement Mesa Cemetery in Parachute, Colorado, on Saturday, August 15, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. Those attending are asked to please bring lawn chairs.

A Celebration of Life will be held on October 18th at 3 pm at Grand Valley Oasis 535 Hoover Dr, Grand Junction, CO 81504

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations in Wayne’s memory to:

Life Adjustment Program – “Helping Hands”

1405 Wellington Avenue

Grand Junction, CO 81501

HopeWest

3090 North 12th Street

Grand Junction, CO 81506

St. Mary’s Hospital

2635 North 7th Street

Grand Junction, CO 81501

Wayne spent his life showing others that even after facing difficult circumstances, there is still so much to be grateful for, so much to laugh about, and so many people to love.

His laughter will be missed. His kindness will be remembered. His faith will be honored. And the joy he shared with others will live on in all who were fortunate enough to know him.