Wayne A. Walker, 50, of Smith Center, left this life to see what his need for speed was on April 1st, 2023. He was born October 20, 1972, to Patti and Dave Walker in Cozad, NE.
Wayne was a very outspoken man and I’m sure many will remember how his wild sense of humor could change the energy of an entire room. He devoted his life to his family, friends and even to this community in more ways than you could imagine. He would be the first to give his shirt off his back to help anyone no matter who you were, no matter the time of day, he would be there.
Wayne had many hobbies starting from a very young age, from building motors on the table and the age of 8 in Colorado with his dad Dave, to climbing the mountains free style and having a band, he LOVED to play guitar. Believe it or not, he was self-taught, never knew how to read music and learned it all by ear.
He continued even more hobbies when he moved to Smith Center, from having the love of restoring old hot rods, to racing with one hell of a pit crew and the biggest fan club you could ever imagine, to even playing in another band with some amazing family and friends.
One way of devoting his life and showing his love to his family and friends was cooking. I think you all may agree, he could have outcooked anyone! This was his way of bringing everyone together. His favorite holiday, that really brought us all together, was the Fourth of July. He loved blowing shit up.
Upon moving to Smith Center in 1993, Wayne began working at Mace Body Shop. Wayne has worked there for 31 years. Working at the body shop, brought many projects outside of his daily job, from coming up with the best custom paint jobs on cars and bikes, to building many racecars and painting them as well. He restored the Statue of Liberty that stands at Gaylord Hill many times.
He was a devoted son, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, friend, animal lover and even sometimes an aunt, due to his long hair.
Wayne is survived by his mother Patricia Walker of Smith Center, KS; life partner Billie Jo Stanton; daughter Catlyn Walker (Aaron Bergmann); son Orien Walker; his considered sons Robert Walker and Chase Brewer; sisters Cheri (Chris) Hrabe, Jody Walker, Loretta Walker, second parents Roger and Dianne Walker, god-father Steve Bortz; grandsons Breece and Beckett Bergmann; many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.
Wayne is preceded in death by grandparents, Ivan and Georgene Walker, Carl Marjoria Schneider, uncle Dallas Walker, aunt Marty Schneider, cousin Grace Cruthers, father Dave Walker and brother and best friend Brian Martin.
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