Wayne, 87, of Smithville, Ohio, died Friday, June 13, 2008, after a short illness. He was born December 27, 1920, on a farm near Oak Grove, OH. He was a member of the Mennonite Church and was drafted into Civilian Public Service in 1944 from Smithville. His occupation at that time is listed as "Painter."

He reported to Nine Mile in 1945 for smokejumper training. He made seven practice, six fire and one rescue jump.

Starting while still in school in 1937 and continuing for 50 plus years, he was an independent milk hauler for area dairy farmers.