He was drafted into the United States Army in November 1950, reporting to Fort Sill, OK. He served in Korea with the 2nd Infantry Division, Headquarters Company, 15th Field Artillery Battalion from April 1951 through March 1952 as a communications lineman with the rank of Staff Sergeant. Their Battalion fought during the “May Massacre” and the battles of “Bloody Ridge” and “Heartbreak Ridge”.
Two weeks after returning from Korea, on March 23rd, 1952, he was united in marriage to Loryne Yvonne Jensen at the Methodist Church in Superior, NE. To this union was born four children. They lived in Superior where Wayne worked at NPPD as a lineman and foreman. In January 1968 Wayne and Loryne relocated to Exeter, NE after Wayne accepted the job of Local Manager II with Nebraska Public Power in Exeter. In 2003 Wayne and Loryne moved to their current home in York, NE.
Wayne was employed with NPPD until 1987 when he retired due to his health following a heart attack. He enjoyed his work and took pride in his service to his customers. Wayne did custom wiring in the evenings and on weekends, wiring many of the new homes and the Elks Club in Superior in the 1960’s. In the late 1970’s, he took an upholstery course from Southeast Community College in Milford, NE, after which he upholstered furniture for many people. Following his retirement he worked part time with Horizontal Boring & Tunneling Co. in Exeter.
He enjoyed gardening and took pride in his home and lawn. He was never idle, always creating something with his hands, from building a full size catamaran and kayak to model replica wooden boats and airplanes and fine wood-working with his scroll saw.
Wayne and Loryne enjoyed boating and camping at Lovewell Lake and Lewis & Clark Lake, graduating from tents to a fifth-wheel, and creating lifetime memories for their children and grandchildren. After retirement Wayne and Loryne enjoyed many vacations together, traveling around the United States. They also enjoyed their cabin on Sundance Lake near Clarks, NE.
Wayne was fortunate to have his family living nearby, and he watched with enjoyment and pride as his grandchildren and great-grandchildren grew-up.
Wayne was a member of the United Methodist Church for over fifty years, and also served on the church board. He was honored for his fifty years of membership in the American Legion and was instrumental in the starting of the Exeter-Cordova VFW. Wayne was a volunteer fireman for over 25 years and served as Fire Chief and an EMT. He also served on the Exeter Village Board.
Wayne was a charter member of the State Line Elks Club in Superior, NE; a past member of the Eagles Club in Superior and belonged to the Lions Club and Commercial Club in Exeter and was an assistant Scout Master with the Boy Scouts.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sister Arlene Mitchell of Richland, MS; and daughter Shelley Hansen of York, NE.
He leaves to mourn his wife of 58 years, Loryne; daughters Patrice Lovegrove and husband John of Fairmont, NE; Vicki Lovegrove and husband Bob of Grafton, NE; son Brent Moore and wife Lori (Bristol) of Exeter; former son-in-law Merlyn Hansen. Eleven grandchildren: Jason Hall and wife Roxy of Lincoln, NE; Heidi Combs and husband Travis of York, NE; Heather Kimble and husband Jeff of Lincoln, NE; Lisa Finkner and husband John of Lincoln, NE; Justin Lovegrove and wife Alecia of Lincoln, NE; Brandon Lovegrove and fiancé Holli Stolcpart of Geneva, NE; Ashley Lovegrove of Lincoln, NE; Bobbi Lovegrove of Grafton, NE; Kenton, Lindsey, and Kelsey Moore of Exeter, NE. Nine great-grandchildren: Cori, Kynli, and Kain Combs; Owen and Maura Kimble; Olivia and Emily Lovegrove; Hailley and Merritt Finkner; sister-in-law Heral Jean and husband Keith Schultz; nieces and nephews; and other relatives and many friends.
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