Born September 10, 1936, in Clay County, IN, he was the son of Howard and Mabel (Dierdorf) Burns.
Wayne worked for the Indiana Department of Transportation for 25 years, retiring in 2016. He had previously retired from IBM in 1987. He was a member of the Church of Christ, Cloverdale, IN. and a past member of the Greencastle Lions Club.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife Julie R. Burns; and sons Terry & Alan Burns.
Wayne is survived by his children Lori Smith, Aaron (April) Burns, Emily (Paul) Gore, and Katie (Geoff) McLaughlin; daughter-in-law Kasandra Burns; and several grandchildren & great grandchildren.
The family will receive friends on Friday, May 1, 2026, from 5:00 to 8:00 PM at the Hopkins-Rector Funeral Home.
Private graveside services will follow at the Forest Hill Cemetery
Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Wayne to the Church of Christ, Cloverdale, IN.
