Wayne Merle Belden, 82, was born on a farm north of Edmond on Oct. 11, 1940, the oldest child of Merle and Erma Belden. Wayne died on Dec. 28, 2022, in Norton.
When Wayne was 7, the family moved to Edmond where he attended grade school. He was a member of the final graduating class of Edmond High School in 1958. Wayne lived most of his adult life in Norton. On Dec. 27, 1959, he married Erma “Tiny” Gipe at the Norton Christian Church. She preceded him in death on Dec. 31, 1996.
Wayne owned and operated many businesses over his working career, including Wayne’s Marina, Belden Shooting Supply, Prairie Trap Club, Belden Construction, Belden Manufacturing, and Microline Products. Wayne loved challenges and always had new ideas for businesses. After retirement, he continued working on boats and motors in his garage, only quitting due to health issues a few months ago.
Wayne was a member of the Norton Christian Church, a lifetime member of the NRA, and member of the Norton Eagles Lodge.
Wayne was preceded in death by his wife, Tiny; his parents: Merle and Erma; his in-laws: Lawrence and Agnes Gipe; his brother-in-law and sister-in-law: Robert and Dolly Phelps. He is survived by his daughter: Karla Reed (Anthony Pfeifer); son: Kelly Belden; grandson: Brandon Reed (Shea Gibson) and great-granddaughter: Kyli Reed; sisters: Karen Pratt (Bill) and Virginia Minge (Mike), and many nieces, nephews and friends.
The funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Dec. 30, 2022, at the funeral home. Burial will follow in the Norton Cemetery.
Wayne will lie in-state with a book signing from 2 to 5 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 29 at the funeral home.
Memorials may be made to the Wayne Belden Memorial Fund and sent in care of Plumer-Gobber Funeral Home, 215 W. Main St., Norton, KS 67654. Condolences may be left at www.plumergobber.com.