Wayne Himes, 92, of Brookville died peacefully on Thursday, August 8, 2024, in his home of 65 years, surrounded by his loved ones.
He was born on October 23, 1931 in Ringgold, Jefferson County, the son of the late Paul and Virginia Smith Himes.
He was a graduate of Punxsutawney High School.
After finishing school, he was drafted into the U.S. Army and served in the Korean War as Sergeant Wayne Larry Himes.
After his service in the Korean War, he met his beloved wife, the surviving former Hazel Joy Spare, on a blind date and was married to her for 68 years.
Wayne was a kind soul with a heart of gold who dedicated his life to his family and God.
Over the years, he and his wife opened their hearts and took in about 20 children.
After his military service, he worked in various forced labors.
In addition to his passionate work as a farmer, he later worked as a foreman on the railway, where he retired after 28 years.
He was a loyal member of Gideons International, the Farmers Union and the NRA.
He was a devoted member of Meade Chapel Church and served God by teaching Sunday school services and being a dedicated member for many years.
Wayne leaves behind his wife Joy and siblings Eva Caylor and Leroy (Julie) Himes; children Dave Himes, Gail Himes, Paul (Tammy) Himes, Susan (Alex) Lingenfelter and Lisa (Ben) Penman; and a beloved niece, Deborah Wagner.
Surviving grandchildren include Andy (Amber) Blair, Carisa (Slavo) Miskovic, Talia (Stacy) Orr, Rachel (Bryan) Birch, Wayne (Krysta) Lingenfelter, Kenneth (Sevie) Lingenfelter, Ashley (Matthew) Crist, Chantelle Jesburger, Savanah ( Mathew) Clinger, Brandon Jesberger, Charles (Emily) Taylor, Veronica (Rick) Schoening, AJ Taylor, Joshua Himes, Charity (Michael) Diefenderfer, Zachary (Heather) Taylor, Sarah Taylor, Clint Lingenfelter, Izzy Penman, Amanda (Jared) Birch, Robert (Kaitlin) Penman and Bryan (Summer) Penman.
Surviving great-grandchildren are Ryley Blair, Cameron Blair, Connor Miskovic, Andrew Miskovic, Asia Walter, Bryce Walter, Emma Miller, Eli Miller, Caleb (Madelyn) Zimmerman, Kayden Lingenfelter, Kinlee Lingenfelter, Kole Lingenfelter, Kyla Lingenfelter, Athena Lingenfelter, Paris Lingenfelter, Petros Lingenfelter, Wyatt Crist, Hudson Crist, Aiden Jesburger, Liam Neff, Rhyleigh Neff, Henry Jesburger, Natalee Himes, Taylor Clinger, Talan Taylor, Cooper Taylor, Jaxton Taylor, Sullivan Taylor, Rickey Schoening, Evelynn Schoening, Velvet Schoening, John Wayne Schoening, Parker Yeaney, Hunter Young, Novalee Mohney, Bentley Diefenderfer, Tucker Diefenderfer, Sebastian Diefenderfer, Hayden Cochenour, Gavin Cochenour, Serenity Nupp, Matthew Nupp, Gohan Dawson, Jazmine Kraus, Leylan Birch, Gracelynn Sammons, Kinsley Birch, Emberly Birch, Miya Penman, Hunter Penman, Lucy Penman, Amara Penman, Elizabelle Geer, Jauven Geer, Luna Penman and Elijah Penman.
Surviving great-great grandchildren include Brielle Rowe, Colson Cieleski, Wesley Himes, Aspyn Himes, Wreyn Himes, August Zimmerman and Juniper Zimmerman.
Wayne was predeceased by his parents, including Dorothy Condron, Bernard Himes, Pete Himes and Clair Himes.
Visitation was held on Saturday, August 10, from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Meade Chapel Church, 10195 Knox Dale Road, Brookville, PA 15825, and again on Sunday, August 11, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., also at the church.
A memorial service followed at 4 p.m. with Pastor Joni Williams and lay speaker Kathy Dinger as clergy.
The burial then took place in the church cemetery.
At that time, all military honors were granted.
Memorial contributions may be made to Meade Chapel Church or The Gideons International.
Shugarts Funeral Home Inc. of Brockway is handling the arrangements.
Online condolences may be left at csfhinc.com.
