Wayne Lee Harclerode.... Age 83

Wayne Lee Harclerode age 83 of Osawatomie, KS passed away Thursday January 5, 2023 at his home.

Wayne was born March 21, 1939 in Osawatomie, KS. He was the only child born to Marion Lee and Mildred Ethel (Pool) Harclerode. He attended the Crescent Hill School and Osawatomie High School. Wayne enlisted in the United States Navy on June 20, 1956. He served on board the USS Ashtabula ( AO51) serving as an Electrician’s Mate . He was honorably discharged on June 20, 1960 .

After getting out of the service, Wayne worked as a mechanic at the Chevrolet Dealership at Garnett, KS and then switched to truck driving Ross Truck Line s . In 1965, Wayne started his career with Roadway Express working there for almost 30 years .

On June 4, 1965, Wayne married Florence Marie Spencer. Together they had one daughter Tammy Sue. Wayne often counted his blessings’ for having Florence as his wife, she was always supportive in all his activities, and they did most everything together. They attended the USS Ashtabula Navy reunions for 22 years of which Wayne served as treasurer. They were fortunate and enjoyed travel ing many different places over t he years.

Wayne was a man of many talents and had numerous hobbies . He play ed the steel guitar by ear and played in several bands including the Country Squires , The Rebels and The Odds and Ends . He also played for the Friday night dances at the Cadmus Grange Hall for many years. Most recent ly , Wayne took great joy in playing music at local events, nursing homes and senior centers where gospel  music was enjoyed . In 1973 , Wayne began taking flying lessons un der the G.I. Bill and obtained his commercial, instrument, multi- engine, and flight instructor certifica tions He then worked as a flight instructor and managed at the Miami County Airpor t for over 20 years. Waynes other hobbies included snow skiing, water skiing, motorcycling, reloading ammunition, shooting, fishing and scuba diving .  He enjoyed spending time in his workshop where was a master at fixing almost anything and woodworking.

Wayne was a wonderful father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.  He shared a special bond with Tammy, and he would do anything to see her happy. He was also a devoted Christian and was enjoyed sharing his testimony.  Wayne wasn’t just a friend; he was a mentor. If you asked him for help, he didn’t just do it, he would explain the process.

Wayne received the Citizen of Year Award in 2011 fro m the Osawatomie Chamber of Commerce. He was a member of the Miami, County Airport Association, Experimental Aircraft Associatio n and served as Tribe Chief in the International Comanche Society. He was a member of the B.P.O.E (Elks) Lodge of Osawatomie , Fiddlers and Pickers and the United Methodist Church where he served as trustee . Wayne belonged to the Teamsters, Local 41. After retirement he was instrumental in forming a retiree group from Roadway Express.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Survivors include his wife of 57 years, Florence of the home, daughter Tammy Sue (Harclerode) Crane and husband Brad of Osawatomie, grandchildren; Garrett Stanchfield, Spencer Eble and husband Toby, Durland Crane and girlfriend Megan Cross and Bronson Crane. Five great grandchildren; Aspen Stanchfield, Alexandria Eble, Urijah Crane, Dawsen Stanchfield and Boyd Stanchfield. Along with other family and many friends.