Wayne D. Nelson, 89, of Topeka, passed away Wednesday, September 11, 2024.
He was born December 13, 1934, in Sylvia, Kansas, the son of Clifford C. and Alice (Harmon) Nelson. He was a 1952 graduate of Nickerson High School, Nickerson, Kansas and received a Bachelor’s Degree in Business from the University of Kansas. He served in the U.S. Army from September 17, 1954 until being honorably discharged on September 14, 1956. Wayne began his banking career at Hutchinson National Bank, Hutchinson, Kansas, and later served as President of banks in Syracuse, Tribune, and Gorham, Kansas, retiring in October 31, 2009.
Summers were spent at the ballpark, coaching Joyce’s softball team, and coaching and officiating his sons’ games. He was also a Boy Scout leader, and a member of several civic organizations. Wayne married Joyce E. Paepke on December 28, 1958 in Arlington, Kansas. She survives in Topeka. Other survivors include three sons, Mike (Gwen) Nelson of Topeka, Scott (Deanne) Nelson Fishers, Indiana, and Tom (Julie) Nelson of Enid, Oklahoma; five grandchildren, Paul (Brittany) Nelson, Haley (Travis) West, Lauren Nelson, Joshua Nelson and Gabrielle Nelson; four great-grandchildren, J.P. Nelson, Connor Nelson, Avery Nelson and Grayson West; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents; and two brothers, Carol and Glen Nelson. Wayne loved spending time with family, especially his grandchildren, and was an avid fan of the Kansas Jayhawks, Kansas City Royals and Chiefs, and Fort Hays State Tigers.
Honoring his request, cremation is planned. A celebration of life ceremony will be at 2:00 p.m., Friday, September 20, 2024, at Dove Cremations and Funerals, Southwest Chapel, 3700 SW Wanamaker Rd, Topeka, Kansas, where a reception will follow until 4:00 p.m. A graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, September 21, 2024, at Arlington Cemetery, Arlington, Kansas. Memorial contributions may be made to the Gorham Community Development Association, P.O. Box 24, Gorham, KS 67640. To leave a special message for the family online, visit www.DoveTopeka.com.