Wayne Wallace Wilson, 79, of Salina Ks, passed away on March 23, 2024. Wayne was born on August 1, 1944 at St. Francis Hospital in Wichita Ks. to Elmer Edward & Roberta Emily (Courton) Wilson.
Wayne attended school & graduated from Rosalia High School in 1962. Wayne was very active with the Flint Hills 4-H club of Rosalia. Wayne won many Awards with livestock, including 2 trips to the 4-H Nationals in Chicago. Wayne was also asked if he would like to join the peace core due to all his achievements in 4-H, Wayne always felt that was one of his highest honors.
Wayne then married Judy Ann Ellis of El Dorado on March 16, 1967. The loving couple enjoyed 34yrs together before Judy passed away on September 15, 2001. Wayne remarried November 29, 2003 to Mary Eshbaugh. They divorced in 2021.
Wayne served in Law enforcement for 35+ years, then 5 years in retail. Wayne started in the El Dorado, Butler Co. Sheriff’s Office then served as Marshall of Victoria, Ks. Wayne was Undersheriff of Ellis County in Hays Ks, then Fraud Investigator in Kansas City. Wayne worked at Ardan’s & Wilson’s Service Merchandise in Wichita Ks. Next was Beloit, Mitchell Co. Police & Sheriff & then on too Hill City, Graham Co. Retiring as Chief of Police due to an on the job injury on October 31, 1994 resulting in partial leg amputation in 1995.
Then after retiring from Law enforcement Wayne worked with Mac Air office under John Britting & then with RCIL as a counselor for disabled people.
Wayne also joined a group called (ADAPT) who are activists putting their bodies on the line for the civil rights of people with disabilities. With this group Wayne traveled to several cities ranging from Washington DC to California. Wayne also worked for the Hyatt in Wichita Ks. for 10yrs as a shuttle driver where he won the (Ambassador for Wichita Award) given by the (Go Wichita Convention Bureau). Wayne was also awarded Employee of The Year in 2012 with a trip to Hawaii. Shortly after Wayne retired for good and focused on his woodworking projects, crafts, & traveling.
Wayne was definitely an animal lover his whole life with pets and livestock, Wayne & Judy raised Yorkshire Terriers in the 70’s & early 80’s & also Pomeranians in the later 80”s. Wayne enjoyed traveling, fishing , golf, crafts , photography , and all sorts of auto racing. He especially enjoyed good conversation with all of his friend’s family & coworkers. Wayne didn’t know a stranger and was always willing to listen and talk to anyone. Wayne W. Wilson was a very dedicated family man and loved his family very much. Most of his favorite memories & stories was those of his family but a big portion of his memories and stories came from working as Undersheriff in Ellis Co. That was some of Wayne’s favorite times. KLETC instructors at that time would point out to New Recruits that the Ellis Co. Sheriff’s Office was the real deal on how they handle things up there, true professionals! Wayne’s reply to hearing this was
(We are the best & I’m glad the KLETC notice’s and hearing how good we are).
Wayne’s siblings are Joanne Marie (Wilson) Mendenhall & Brother In Law Duane Mendenhall ( deceased. ) His Son Michael Shane Wilson & Daughter-in Law Stacy Lowe. His foster Daughter was Wanda Gibson, stepson Stacey Alan & step daughter Theresa Wilson.
Grandchildren are Natalie Wilson, Dalton Sawyers, Justin Noel, Saxon Noel, Arielle Alan, Mercedes Light, Sheila Dragoo, Braeden Alan, Danielle Alan.
Great Grandchildren are Nathan Noel & Savanna Noel.
Niece’s & Nephew’s include Alan & Vickie Mendenhall & Son Jeremy Mendenhall, and daughter Lillianna & Rosalina Mendenhall / Kathy & Denise Blackman, Tasha Beck, Andrew Beck & Tyson Blackman
Wayne had been diagnosed with cancer in 2021 & moved to Salina in 2022 to live with his son Michael Shane Wilson and his fiancée Stacy Lowe. Even with treatments the cancer had still spread rather quickly from 2021 to 2024.
Wayne will be honored by a graveside service on Saturday April 6, 2024 at (time) at Resthaven Cemetery in Wichita Kansas.
Memorials can be made in honor of Wayne W. Wilson to Interim Hospice of Salina, 1005 W South Salina, Ks 67401.