 |
Wayne Lee Walker
May 20, 1969 - March 3, 2004
Wayne was born at 10:42 pm at Mahaska County Hospital in Oskaloosa, Iowa.
The son of Howard Dale Walker and Christine Louise (McCain)Kondoudis.
He weighed 7 lbs. 1 oz. and was 20 inches long.
The doctor that delivered him was Dr. Howard C. Bos M.D.
He is survived by his mother,3 children, Amanda, Bryan, and Austin,
his sister Lisa K. Beebe, her husband Jerry, and their 3 boys, Nicholas, Jason, and Zachary
His maternal Grandparents, Patricia A. McCain and the late Duane McCain,
His paternal Grandparents, Regina A. Walker and the late Gerald Walker Jr.
He also has a half sister Tracy Fisher.
He has 2 Aunts: Ruth Edwards and Sue Dickerson.
and a Great Aunt and Uncle Iva and Howard Sorrels.
He had an uncle Michael Lee Walker who proceeded him in death.
Wayne was named after his grandfather Duane McCain and his Uncle Michael Lee Walker.
He attended grade school in Iowa and moved to Illinois in 1982 and finished school in Benton.
Wayne went to work for the city water department as a laborer right out of high school,
he was a hard worker and went on to became the Water Superintendant for the City of Benton.
The men and women at City Hall became an extended family to him and have been a great help and comfort to his family during our time of grief,
for they have grieved as well.
Wayne was loved by everyone that truly knew him.
Everywhere you go people knew him and always spoke highly of him.
When asked what they remember most about Wayne people remember his blonde hair, blue eyes and especially his smile.
He was a soft and gentle young man, who enjoyed his family, friends, bowling, mowing grass, and singing Karoake.
He had a huge heart and was always there to help when he was needed.
He died in an automobile accident on a rainy March morning at 8:40 am.
He is missed much more than anyone can imagine or mere words can describe.
They say a person leaves a part of themselves on all that they touch,
Wayne touched many hearts and many hearts touched Wayne.
Heavens doors opened
and the angels cried
That rainy morning when you died.
Your spirit took wings that
rainy March day
But here in our hearts
you will always stay.
When we look to the sky
and find that there's rain
We can't help but think of the day
you left and with it the pain.
Then a rainbow appears,
what a beautiful site,
It's your way of reminding us,
all is alright.
(author: Chris, Forever Wayne's mom)
Mom
Wayne and Lisa
There is not a day that does not go by
where I do not think nor talk about Wayne.
My children pray for their uncle Wayne
about every night at the supper table
and also miss him very much.
Every time it rains and especially when I am driving in
the rain,I think of him and his last moments here with us.
I am so grateful of the many safe trips that I and
my family (Jerry, Nick, Jason & Zachary) were and still
are able to take to Illinois.The last trip that I made to
Illinois to visit Wayne was on March 3rd, 2004.
It was a very long one and I knew this trip would be my last
visit in Illinois with my brother. I knew that after this trip
the following trips to Illinois would never feel the same.
I can not think of one trip to Illinois
where there were never some moments of excitement.
One of the last family outings in Illinois,
a picture was taken of Wayne and I.
I will treasure this picture forever.
This picture hung on the walls of his home on the day
that he passed away,and now it hangs on mine.
Even though Wayne and I were not raised in the same
household,we were very close and so much alike.
We have the same smiles, great looks (at least he did),
tender hearts and dry sense of humors.
The day he died, I know he took a part of me with him,
which is how it should have been,
because when he died a part of me did too.
He is now in Heaven watching us,
laughing and shaking his head and patiently,
waiting for the next time we can see him again.
I know the next trip I take
to visit him will be another exciting one.
For this trip I will not be going to Illinois,
I will be going to heaven.
Wayne, you will always be my loving brother
and now you are my angel.
Love Your Sister,
Lisa
Lisa, Jerry, Nick, Jason, and Zach
Many Thanks to Tam one of my froggyfriendsplus friends
Playing with Dad
Letter From Heaven
To My dearest family,
some things I'd like to say.
But first of all,
to let you know that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from Heaven,
there's no more tears of sadness,
Here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy
just because I'm out of sight,
Remember I am with you
every morning, noon, and night,
That day I had to leave you,
when my life on earth was through.
God picked me up and hugged me
and he said " I welcome you"
"It's good to have you back again,
You were missed while you were gone."
"As for your dearest family,
they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly,
you're part of my plan.
There's so much we have to do
to help our mortal man.
"God gave me a list of things
that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on that list
was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in a bed at night
the day chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you
in the middle of the night.
When you think of life on earth,
and all those loving years,
Because you are only human,
they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry:
it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers
if it were not for some rain.
I wish that I could tell you
all that God has planned.
If I were to tell you,
you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain,
though my life on earth is O'er.
I am closer to you now
than I ever was before.
There are many rocky roads ahead of you
and many hills to climb,
But together we can do it
by taking one day at a time.
It has always been my Philosophy
and I'd like it for you too,
That as you give unto the world,
the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody,
who's in sorrow and in pain.
Then you can say to God at night...
" My day was not in vain"
and now I am contented...
that my life was all worthwhile.
Knowing as I pass along the way
I made somebody smile.
So if you meet somebody
who is sad and feeling low;
just lend a hand to pick them up,
as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street,
and you've got me on your mind.
I'm walking in your footsteps,
only half a step behind.
And when it's time for you to go....
From that body to be free.
Remember you're not going....
You're coming here to me.
~ author~
Ruth Ann Mahaffey
Copyright 1998-2002
http://ruthann1.com
He Only Took My Hand
Last night while I was trying to sleep,
My son's voice I did hear.
I opened my eyes and looked around,
But he did not appear.
He said " Mom, you've got to listen,
You've got to understand.
God didn't take me from you, mom,
He only took my hand.
When I called out in pain that night.
The instant that I died
He reached down and took my hand,
and pulled me to his side.
He pulled me up and saved me
from the misery and the pain.
My body was hurt so badly inside,
I could never be the same.
My search is really over now,
I've found happiness within.
All the answers to my empty dreams
and all that might have been.
I love you so and miss you so
and I'll always be nearby.
My body's gone forever,
but my spirit will never die!
And so, you must go on now,
live one day at a time.
Just understand-
God did not take me from you,
He only took my hand.
~ Author~
Verity McClugage
Wayne with Mom and Lisa
The Cord
We're connected, my child and I,
By an invisible cord Not seen by the eye.
Its not like the cord that connected us til birth.
The cord can't be seen by anyone on earth,
This cord does it's work right from the start,
It binds us together, attatched at the heart.
I know that it's there Though no one can see.
The invisible cord from my child to me.
The strength of the cord. It's hard to decribe,
It can't be destroyed. It can't be denied.
It's stronger than any cord man can create,
It withstands the test, can hold any weight.
And though you are gone, though you are not here with me.
The cord is still there, but no one can see.
It pulls at my heart. I am bruised.....I am sore.
But this cord is my lifeline as never before,
I am thankful that God connects us this way.
A mother and child. Death can't take it away!
Author Unknown
To Mention His Name
The mention of my child's name May bring a tear
to my eyes,But it never fails to bring music to my ears,
If you are really my friend, let me hear the beautiful music
of his name.It soothes my broken heart and it sings to my soul.
Author Unknown
Country Cemetary
In a quiet country cemetary,
Where the gentle breezes blow,
Lies my son I love so dearly;
He died a few years ago.
His resting place I visit,
Placing flowers there with care,
but no one knows the heartache,
when I turn to leave him there.
Though his smile is gone forever,
and his hands I cannot touch.
Still I have so many memories
of the son I loved so much.
His memory is my keepsake,
with which I will never part.
God has him in his keeping;
I have him in my heart.
Author Unknown
When March winds blow
and spring draws near,
we continue to miss you
and wish you were here.
No words Can express
the way that we feel,
They say it gets better
and with time we will heal.
One thing is for certain
that we know to be true,
God gave us a gift
When he gave us you.
We'll patiently wait
til God calls us home,
and we'll be reunited
no more all alone.
We'll cherish your memory
and keep it alive,
til we meet once again
on the other side.
Author
Chris (Wayne's mom 4ever)
February 2006
Wayne And Grandma
A Thousand Winds
Do not stand at my grave and weep,
for I am not there I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow,
I am the diamond glint on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain,
I am the gentle Autumns rain
When you awaken in the mornings lush,
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circle flight,
I am the stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry,
I am not there, I did not die
Author Unknown
This poem has special meaning to Grandma McCain
and she selected it for Wayne
Wayne and Austin
Hugs From Heaven
When you feel a gentle breeze
caress you when you sigh,
it's a hug sent down from Heaven
from a loved one way up high.
If a soft and tender raindrop
should land upon your nose,
they've added a small kiss
as fragile as a rose.
If a song you hear fills you
with a feeling of sweet love,
It's a hug sent down from Heaven
From someone special up above.
If you awaken in the morning
to a bluebirds chirping song,
it's music sent from Heaven
to cheer you all day long.
If tiny little snowflakes
should land upon your face,
It's a hug sent from Heaven
trimmed with angels lace.
So keep the joy in your heart
if you're lonely my dear friend,
Hugs that are sent from Heaven,
A broken heart will mend.
Author Unknown
Bryan and Amanda
Just A Breath Away
Look for me in the springtime
As raindrops fill the air,
in the splendor of the rainbow
you'll find my presence there.
You will find me in the fragrance
of Aprils sweet perfume,
Drifting through the clover
On a sultry day in June.
An August day will find me
upon the summer breeze,
On the distant sound of the thunder
In the gentle swaying trees.
In the golden fields of harvest
Is where I can be found,
As autumn time approaches
and leaves come tumbling down.
In the wintertime when days are short
and a chill is in the air,
Just look into a moonlit night
You'll find me lingering there.
When the setting sun has gone away
and shadows fill the night,
when the cloak of darkness lifts it's veil
I'll be your morning light.
So when you feel discouraged
get on your knees and pray,
You'll feel me there beside you
I'm just a breath away.
Author
Marilyn Ferguson
A special thank you to Cheryl Helps for this and all the beautiful
tributes you made for my son.You have touched my heart. God Bless You
Rainbow
I'll paint you a rainbow to hang on your wall,
to lighten your heart when the grey shadows fall.
On a canvas of joy outlasting the years,
With a soft bunch of sweetness to dry all the tears.
I'll paint you a rainbow with colors of smiles,
that glows with sincerity over the miles.
On a pallate of words I will tenderly blend,
Tones into treasures of sunlight and wind.
I'll paint you a rainbow that reaches so wide,
Your sites and your sorrows will vanish inside.
And deep in the center of each different hue,
A memory fashioned especially for you.
So lift your eyes for suspended above,
A rain bow designed by the fingers of love.
Author
Grace E. Easley
Sleep sweet angel, for all is quiet now,
Let my kiss rest upon your innocent brow,
Your sweet smile lives in the warm summer sun.
Thoughts of you are comfort, when the day is done,
The magic of your goodness dances in the autumn leaves.
Your melody sings in the wind that, echoes through the trees.
sleep my precious angel, forever you will shine
the pure light of Love within this heart of mine.
Author Bee Ewing
a poem from Monika
A very special heartfelt thanks to Monika Hedglen
for without her patience and tender heart
this memorial may not have been possible.
Thank You Monika!
Remember Me
Remember me when you see a sunrise,
Remember me whenever you see a star.
Remember me whenever you see a rainbow
Or woods in autumn colors from afar.
Remember me whenever you see the roses,
Or seagulls sailing high in a sky of blue.
Remember me whenever you see waves
Shining in the sun.
And remember,
I'll be remembering you!
Remember me whenever you see a teardrop,
Or meadows still wet with the morning dew,
Remember me whenever you feel love,
Growing in your heart.
And remember,
I'll be remembering you,
Author Unknown
 Gift from Donna on Mother's Day 2007, Thanks so much Donna
I'm There Inside Your Heart
Right now I'm in a different place,
And although we seem apart.
I am closer than I ever was,
I'm there inside your heart.
I'm with you when you greet each day,
And while the sun shines bright.
I'm there to share the sunsets too,
I'm with you every night.
I'm with you when the times are good,
To share a laugh or two.
And if a tear should start to fall,
I'll still be here with you.
And when the day arrives,
That we no longer are apart.
I'll smile and hold you close to me,
Forever in my heart.
Author Unknown
Words From An Angel
I have not turned my back on you,
So there is no need to cry.
I'm watching you from Heaven,
Just beyond the morning sky.
I've often seen you fall apart
When you could barely stand.
I asked the Lord to comfort you,
And watched Him take your hand.
He told me you were in more pain,
than I could ever be.
He wiped his eyes and swallowed hard,
Then he gave your hand to me.
Although you may not feel my touch,
Or see me by your side.
I've whispered that I love you,
While I've wiped each tear you cried.
So please try not to ache for me,
We'll meet again one day.
Beyond the dark and stormy sky,
A rainbow lights the way.
Author unknown
 In Loving Memory of my sister, Wayne's Aunt,
Ruth Ann Edwards
who went home to God on
March 16, 2009
At 54 years of age.
She leaves behind her children,
William Almond,
Christopher Edwards,
Tabitha Edwards-Hinton,
Phet Kouangvongthien; a young man that Ruth thought of
as her own,12 grandchildren that she dearly loved,
our mother Patricia McCain, myself, her niece Lisa Beebe
and her family as well as 5 great-nephews and one great
niece
She will be missed by all who loved her!
"God plucks the flowers for his garden
when they are most beautiful."
God Saw You Were Getting Tired
God saw you were getting tired,
and a cure was not to be,
so he put his arms around you and
whispered "Come with me."
With teary eyes we watched
you fade away,
and though we loved you dearly
we could not make you stay
A golden heart stopped beating
Hard working hands now at rest
God broke our hearts to show us
He only takes the best
Author Unnown
This poem was requested by Patricia in memory
of her daughter, my sister, Ruth.
Patricia is Wayne's grandmother and my mother.
Sign Ruth's Guestbook
View Ruth's Guestbook
You can email Ruth's mother, Patricia @ pjpm@mahaska.org
 
Sign my Guestbook
View my Guestbook
|