Wayne E. Roe
Wayne E. Roe, 91, Rochester, was surrounded by his loving family when he departed this life at 2:34 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 12, 2016 at Hickory Creek of Rochester.
On May 20, 1925 Wayne Edward Roe was born in Jonesboro. He was the treasured son of Oral Everett and Nellie Stone Roe. Growing up he shared his childhood with a sister, Dorothy and two brothers, Burl and Harold. With great pride he graduated from Marion High School in May of 1943. When patriotism beckoned Wayne answered the call serving with the United States Army Air Corps during the conclusion of World War II. He was a pilot flying the B-25 Mitchell. During his stint in the service he also took classes at the University of Missouri.
In Jonesboro, on Dec. 7, 1946, Wayne married the love of his life, Barbara Lou Brewer. Together they spent over 59 years of life’s adventures becoming best friends. From their union came two beautiful girls, Judy and Peggy. Over the years the family tree continued to grow with the added blessings of three granddaughters and six great-grandchildren.
At their winter home in Sun City, Ariz., May 12, 2006, Barbara sadly passed away. He later married Evelyn Conrad Roe. She preceded him in March 2016. Wayne and Barbara began the tradition of wintering in Sun City back in 1974. He continued until after the winter of 2015.
A vibrant member of the banking industry, Wayne managed to pack 27 hours in a day and 8 days in a week. He led off his career at the Marion National Bank as a teller. Mentored by the esteemed Art Hobson he garnered more experience serving in a variety of positions with banks in Upland, Gaston, and Elwood. The timing was right and Wayne and Barbara bought the Leiter’s Ford State Bank from Chet Bowersox in 1962. Their partnership and ownership of the bank spanned twelve years. Wayne retired in 1974 as President of the bank.
Always intrigued with flight following his service to our country, Wayne built a helicopter but, due to the urging of his wife and daughters, never flew it. He took great joy with annually taking his family to Chicago’s O’Hare Airport to stand on the observation deck and watch the planes take-off and land. One year they saw the entire New York Yankees baseball team and got an autograph from Roger Maris.
Talented with working with his hands Wayne was gifted with his skills of woodworking. He built china cabinets for his daughters and grand-daughters. He and Barbara were a team. She would put together jigsaw puzzles and Wayne would build a wood frame for purposes of display and preservation.
Wayne was very proud to drive his antique Model-A, especially in the Leiters Ford Strawberry Festival parade. He and Barbara loved playing card games, especially horse and euchre and entertaining family and friends. He and Evelyn enjoyed mini-golf while wintering in Arizona.
Left to cherish Wayne’s memory are his two loving daughters: Judith L. Brown and husband James of Ocala, Fla.; Peggy L. Whirledge and husband Michael, Rochester; three adoring granddaughters: Amy N. Hamilton and husband Andy, Bloomington; Amber J. Reinhold and husband Kevin of Kewanna; Lesley E. Bass and husband Tyler, Bloomington; six great grandchildren: Grace N. Hamilton, Samuel T. Bass, Keegen J. Reinhold, Willa Kae Hamilton, Adam Joseph Reinhold and Fenn Hamilton; and a sister-in-law, Sarah Roe of Roann.
Preceding Wayne in death are his wife Barbara in 2006, wife Evelyn in 2016, his parents, a sister Dorothy Couch, and two brothers, Burl Roe and Harold Roe.
Pastor Kerry O’Brien will officiate services. A committal service followed by entombment will be at 1 p.m., Thursday, Nov.17 in the Valhalla Memorial Gardens, Bloomington.