Known to his family as “Slim” he attended school in Baxter Springs, Kansas. After graduation
from Baxter Springs High School, Wayman worked as a machine operator at McCartney
Manufacturing Company from May 1951 to March 1952.
Wayman then entered the U.S. Marine Corps in March 1952 attending, training and going to
aviation school.
He became an Aircraft Engine Mechanic, troubleshooting and performing intermediate and
depot level maintenance on Jet engines and related components of Military Airplanes.
During his time in the Marine Corps, he served during the Korean War. Wayman received the
National Defense Service Medal. Wayman separated from the service in March 1954, returning
to Omaha, Nebraska to his family.
In 1954, Wayman started working for Continental Can Company. Wayman took a lot of math
classes especially in physics, geometry, metal working, and drafting. He worked hard so
that he could become a machinist. Wayman was good at working with his hands, he was
always engaged in a Project, always staying busy and active even at home fixing whatever
needed to be fixed.
While in Omaha, Wayman met Frances Benning at a skating rink and they began dating. He
proposed to Frances in November 1954 and married Frances in January 1955. From this
marriage, were two children Lesa and Wayman (Tiger). He was also blessed with four
grandchildren Miya, Angela, Adam, and Midori; Two great-grandchildren Jeremiah and Aliyah.
Wayman gave each child after they were born a unique nickname. He even gave Lesa and
Wayman (Tiger) unique nicknames. Wayman retired from Continental Can Company in
May 1994 after forty years of service.
After retirement, Wayman enjoyed golfing, western movies, baseball, working on projects,
and shooting pool with his son, Wayman (Tiger). He also enjoyed a game of dominos with his
grandchildren, occasionally shouting “give me 10 pounds of that snake meat”.
He loved homemade cornbread and desserts, his code name for them was “pogey bait”.
Wayman would always say after dinner “you got any pogey bait” with a big smile on his
face.
Wayman enjoyed discussions with his family, always offering advice and help. He would
always tell his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, “do the best you can in life, go
as far as you can go, get all the schooling you can, and always stay level-headed’.
Wayman is preceded in death by his wife Frances.
He leaves to cherish his memory: daughter, Lesa (Clarence) Stafford, Virginia; son, Wayman
a.k.a (Tiger); four grandchildren, Miya(Latee), Angela, Adam, and Midori; great grandchildren,
Jeremiah and Aliyah; two brothers, James Watson, Gary (Cynthia) Watson;
nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
Wayman departed this life Saturday, May 15, 2021. He would say if he could, "I fought the good
fight, I finished the race".
Visitation will be held Sunday May 23, 2021, 3pm-5pm at Mullins & Thompson Funeral Service, Stafford Chapel, Virginia.
A graveside service will be held at 10:00 AM on Monday May 24, 2021, at Quantico National
Cemetery with Naval Chaplain officiating. Burial with full military honors by Quantico Honor
Guard will follow the service.
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