O. Wayne Brockway, age 86, quietly departed this life early Sunday morning, December 31, 2017. Though his passing left behind his sons and their families, he now shares eternity with departed friends and family as well as the two loves of his life: his savior Jesus Christ and his wife Beverly.

Wayne’s earthly life began December 15, 1931 on the family farm in Galien, Michigan. The first days after his birth were a struggle for him, but he survived, setting a precedent for the rest of his life. His parents, Oliver and Julia (Mitchell) Brockway nursed him to strength and as the years passed their family added 2 sisters, Doris (Elwyn) Dodgson and Janet (Al) Morris, as well as his brother Roger (Ruthe) Brockway.

While in high school Wayne fell in love with a classmate since 3rd grade, his future wife, Beverly Huss. On March 1, 2017, Wayne and Beverly celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary. Beverly preceded him in death on August 29, 2017. He was also preceded in death by his parents, his sister Doris, his brother-in-law Al, and his brother and sister-in-law Roger and Ruthe. Dad was also preceded in death by his beloved son Mark.

Wayne’s schooling included numerous scholastic and attendance honors. Though a graduate of Galien High School, Class of 1950 and South Bend Business College in 1952, his education continued for the rest of his life. His entire working career was spent with American Electric Power, interrupted by 2 years’ service in the Army during the Korean Conflict, where he began on the ground floor of a new technology: computer programming. He retired as a Senior Systems Analyst.

In February 1985, Wayne suffered a massive heart attack and in those fear-filled days, he proved himself more than a survivor: for the rest of his life, Dad sought to thrive and get the most out of life. When open-heart surgery became necessary, Dad took an active role in his recovery and the maintenance of his "new normal". When dialysis became a three-day-a-week reality, he learned to calculate how much treatment he needed for each session.

Though his heart attack forced his retirement, it did not deter his growth as a person and a craftsman. In his home congregation, Christ United Methodist Church in Louisville, he was active on the Administrative Board for many years and was part of the team charged with financing and building a large addition to the church building that included a fellowship hall, classrooms and offices.

Wayne let his creative side out to play as he perfected the art of Wood Pottery. His creations became hundreds of lamps, many of which were auctioned off to support the missions of his church.

Though Dad left the farm years before, his desire to work the soil and to plant a garden never left him. His garden plot expanded over the years to cover nearly a third of an acre and he delighted in the produce. He also took great pleasure in the vegetables and fruit Mom would preserve for them and their family.

Wayne and Beverly’s legacy lives on in their sons Wayne (Bonni), Steve (Becki), Jim (Sandi) and David (Joyce), as well as 11 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren and numerous grand-spouses. Wayne is also survived by his sister Janet Morris and his brother-in-law Elwyn Dodgson. Their family was the light of Wayne and Beverly’s lives.

Many people helped to care for Dad in these past months. Steve and Becki, Jim and Sandi, Dave and Joyce: thank you for being there for him. Many thanks to the staff at Community Care Center in Alliance and especially to Cory Potts for the loving care given Dad. To Scott and Melany Potts, you were good neighbors to Mom and Dad in the truest sense. Thank you for everything. To Don Israel and staff of Stier-Israel Funeral home: thank you for your kindness and caring.

Calling hours for Wayne will be Thursday, January 4, from 10:00-11:00 AM at Christ United Methodist Church, 600 E. Gorgas Street in Louisville. A celebration worship and memorial will follow at 11:00 AM. Burial will be in East Nimishillen Church Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Christ United Methodist Church in memory of Wayne and Beverly.

 Service Information