Wayne, 82, died in an auto accident December 22, 2017, in Farmers Branch, Texas. He was born October 10, 1935 in Scio, Oregon. Wayne graduated from Oregon State University and jumped at Cave Junction during the 1957 season.

Wayne served in Vietnam where he was a Captain in the U.S. Army. After six years in the Army, Wayne started a career as an airline pilot. He flew for 17 years with Braniff International and 13 years with U.S. Air.

Wayne is buried the Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery. He was a Life Member of the National Smokejumper Association.