Walter Wayne McCallister, 81, passed away April 24, 2024, in Kearney, NE. Wayne was born on September 9, 1942, to Walter Roscoe and Mildred (Snell) McCallister in Norton, KS.
Wayne was raised on a farm in Decatur County and graduated from Norcatur High School in 1960. After high school Wayne attended Fort Hays State University in Hays KS, graduating with a Bachelor’s in History and a teaching certificate in the Social Science field. Wayne also received several teaching licenses and certificates in instruction of carpentry, technical education carpentry and GED certificate vocational training. In 1967 Wayne was drafted into the U.S. Army where he was a Supply Sargent in Germany and was honorably discharged in 1970.
Wayne and Norma Kimble were married on August 9, 1964, then divorced in 2016, to this union they had two sons, Robert, and Michael.
Wayne had worked as teacher in central Kansas, then took over the family farm in 1976 until 1989, Wayne also owned and operated the Norcatur Service Station during that time. Wayne would later work at the Norton Correctional Facility, in the vocational building. Wayne was the wood shop instructor and a GED instructor before retiring in 2011.
Wayne was an avid reader, loved westerns, history, and enjoyed listening to Bluegrass festivals. He was a Norcatur Cemetery board member for 40 plus years and an American Legion member.
Wayne is survived by his two sons: Robert (Dodie) McCallister of Wamego, KS; Mike McCallister of Plainville, KS; two grandsons: Scott (Taylor) Nading of Chapman, KS, and Matthew (Britteny) McCallister of Maryville, TN; along with seven great grandchildren: Owen & Cashton Nading, Boone, Ellie & JoAnna McCallister and numerous other family and friends. Wayne was preceded in death by his parents Roscoe & Mildred; brother James Samuel; grandparents, aunts, and uncles.
A memorial graveside service will be held on Friday, May 17, 2024, at 10:00AM at the Norcatur Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Norcatur Cemetery, in care of Plumer-Gobber Funeral Home, 121 N. Penn Ave., Oberlin, KS 67749. Condolences can be left at www.plumergobber.com.