Wayne E. Henness...Age 87

VISITATION: 6-8 PM MONDAY, JULY 20, 2015
EDDY-BIRCHARD FUNERAL HOME

COMMITTAL OF ASHES: 10 AM TUESDAY, GRAVESIDE OSAWATOMIE CEMETERY
OSAWATOMIE, KANSAS

MEMORIAL: ALS ASSOCITATION ~ KEITH WORTHINGTON CHAPTER

Memorials may be sent in care of:
Eddy-Birchard Funeral Home
P.O. Box 430
Osawatomie, KS 66064

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Wayne Eugene Henness age 87 of Osawatomie died Friday July 17, 2015 at his home.

Wayne was born July 20, 1927 in Osawatomie. He was the second of three children born to Forrest G. and Dorcas (Rauhut) Henness. He grew up in Fontana where he attended school. After his third year of high school Wayne decided to enlist in the army.

On July 2, 1945, he enlisted in the United States Army and was sent to Fort Hood, Texas. While in the army Wayne earned his GED. In January of 1946 he was sent overseas to France and then Germany. He then was honorably discharged on January 1, 1947.

After returning home he was hired by the Missouri Pacific Railroad as a fireman. During this time he met and married Phyllis Ruth Bachman on April 15, 1948. They made their home in Osawatomie and became the parents of four children, JoAnn, David, Randy and Beth. Phyllis died August 20, 2002, the couple had been married for 54 years. Wayne continued to work for the railroad, which changed to Union Pacific. He advanced through the years and retired as an Engineer in July 1989, after 42 years of service.

Wayne was an outdoorman, he loved to take his family fishing and camping. He was also an avid hunter of pheasant, quail and duck. He enjoyed pheasant hunting with Phyllis, assisted by his Brittany hunting dogs Lucky, Lady and Brandy.

He enjoyed gambling and became an accomplished poker player with his family. He truly enjoyed himself at the Henness family reunion’s held on Father’s day weekend at his niece Joyce and husband John’s house. He spent his mornings having coffee with his friends at the Whistle Stop Café. He liked to attend railroad coffees and gatherings whenever possible.

He was a member of the Elks Lodge #921 of Osawatomie for over 60 years, a member of the United Transportation Union (UTU) #533 throughout his railroad career and a member of the VFW Post #3712 of Paola.

Wayne was preceded in death by his parents, wife Phyllis, and one brother Melvin.

He is survived by children JoAnn (Mike) Evans of Spring Hill, KS, David W. Henness of Paola, KS, Randy (Laura Lea) Henness of Osawatomie, KS and Beth (Roger) Wuellner of Spring Hill, KS, and Sister Merna Kay (Doyle) McQuay of Bolivar, MO. Eleven grandchildren, Christine (Lonnie) Gulley, Andy Evans, Darin (Marisa) Henness, Cindy (Dale) Henness-Godfrey, Barbie Henness- Driskell, David A. (Shannon Griffin) Henness, Derek Henness, Ryan (Nina) Henness, Aaron (Amy Waggoner) Henness, Rachel Henness, and Levi Wuellner. Twelve great-grandchildren, Nicholas, Brianna, Tyler, Alyssa, Alexa, Mikaela, Blake, Morgan, Brody, Evin, Emerson and Isla. Along with numerous nieces, nephews and friends.