R. WAYNE WITCOMBE, 96, of Cherokee, Iowa, passed away on Tuesday, December 31, 2024 at Accura Healthcare in Cherokee, Iowa.
Memorial services will be on Saturday, March 29, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Paul's United Methodist Church. Pastor Mike Agnew will officiate. Visitation will take place from 9:30 a.m. until service time on Saturday, March 29th at St. Paul's United Methodist Church. Burial will be in the Oak Hill Cemetery at Cherokee, Iowa. The Boothby Funeral Home of Cherokee, Iowa is assisting the family with the arrangements. Online condolences may be left at www.boothbyfuneral.com.
Wayne was born on December 20, 1928 to Frank and Hazel (Sargent) Witcombe at Quimby, Iowa. He attended Cherokee Schools, graduating from Wilson High School in 1948. He served in the United States Army, attaining the rank of Sergeant during the Korean War. He received the National Defense Service Medal and the Good Conduct Medal.
He was united in marriage to Demaris DeBolt, the love of his life, on March 19, 1950 at the First Church of Christ in Cherokee, Iowa. He worked at Iowa Public Service Company as a lineman from 1947 to 1951 and then was a city carrier for 26 years and a rural carrier for 10 years for the United States Postal Service. He retired on September 30, 1988. He was a member of the National Rural Carrier's Association.
Wayne had a deep faith and was a faithful member of St. Paul's United Methodist Church. He was a Life Member of the V.F.W. and a former member of the American Legion.
Wayne was a natural at making conversation. While he enjoyed a lifetime of support and love with his amazing church family, coffee buddies, his many friends, his children, and grandchildren; there was never a time you would call him and he didn't have time to talk. His personality brought warmth and joy to everyone he countered. He was a dedicated family man that was faithful, caring, patient, an excellent listener that always made people laugh.
If Wayne was not fishing, he was probably working in the yard, having coffee with the boys, puttering around in his fishing room or sitting on the back patio watching the birds and squirrels. He loved being outside. He served his country, community and his family proud. Wayne's legacy will live on for generations to come inspiring those around him with his kindheartedness, generosity, humor, and unforgettable spirit.
He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Demaris of 69 years in 2019, brother Paul LaVerne Witcombe and sister Lois Williams.
He is survived by his children, Michael (Debra) Witcombe of Cherokee, Iowa and their daughter Michele (Steven) Hadley of Johnston, Iowa, Jim Witcombe of Farmington, New Mexico and his children Vance and Kaylee Witcombe of Farmington, New Mexico, Alice (Alan) Breske of Lannon, Wisconsin and their children Austin Breske of Portland, Oregon and Allison Breske of Stevens Point, Wisconsin; sister Betty Hein of Forest City, Iowa; and brother-in-law Encil Williams of Cozad, Nebraska.
