Wayne Loomis

On June 29, 2021, Wayne A. Loomis passed away surrounded by his family after a brief illness.  In perfect Wayne style, he waited for his family to gather around his bedside one last time before he left to meet Jesus. A memorial service to celebrate his life will be 4:00 pm, Friday, July 9th  at Crossroads Baptist Church at 5050 Old Lorena Road, Lorena TX , followed by a light supper.

Wayne was preceded in death by his father, Preston, his mother, Bernice, and sister, Shari Dukes.  He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Shirley, his son, Michael, daughter (“in law”), Hope, his three grandchildren: Susan, Caroline and Charlie and his younger brother, Steve.

Wayne was born on September 25, 1940 in Brawley, California as the oldest of three children.  After multiple moves, Wayne graduated from Hobbs High School in Hobbs, New Mexico in 1958.  Wayne loved his country and enlisted in the army in May 1959.  He spent time in Fort Carson, Colorado, Fort Gordon, Georgia, and finally Fort Huachuca, Arizona.  After spending two months at Fort Huachuca, Wayne made friends with the transfer officer and begged to be transferred “anywhere out of the desert”.  Two weeks later, he had orders to serve outside of Metz, France where he spent almost four years working in the largest cave in the Maginot line.

Upon returning to America, Wayne’s loyalty was demonstrated professionally and personally.  Wayne spent 35 years in the telephone industry first as an installer with Southwestern Bell and then ultimately as the Wire Chief for AT&T’s Central Texas region.  While at Southwestern Bell, he noticed a young, switchboard operator, Shirley Ann, who ultimately became the love of his life, marrying her on June 1, 1967 and having their son, Michael, three years later.

Wayne took joy in everything he did.  He never met a stranger.  He loved Jesus and his family dearly.  Wayne spent his time cheering on his son and grandkids.  Over the years, he was Mike’s number one fan, mentor, counselor, and teacher.  If something were broken, Wayne could fix it and he taught Mike everything he knew.  When Mike and Hope (his “daughter”) got married, Wayne poured his heart into Hope and ultimately, his 3 grandkids.  On any given Saturday, he could be found on the sidelines of a football game, gymnastics meet, baseball or a softball game.  He lo ved family barbecues, sitting on his patio, drinking coffee, and gardening.  His grandchildren loved listening to his stories.

Wayne was a Mason.  He was also a Deacon at Crossroads Baptist Church – a Church where he and Shirley were founding members.  The building and playground were literally built, in part, by his hands.  Wayne loved his Tuesday coffees with his buddies, helping someone in need, and conservative values.

The family is especially grateful to the team of doctors and nurses at Baylor Scott & White Hillcrest Hospital ER & Intensive Care Units and the outstanding care given by Dr. Bill McCunniff and Dr. Eckart Pape of Baylor Scott & White as well as Dr. Charles Shoultz III and his team at Waco Cardiology.  The family is also grateful for the loving care and attention he received at St. Anthony’s Care Center.  In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Wayne Loomis may be made to Baylor Scott & White Hillcrest or St. Anthony’s Care Center.  Gifts to Baylor Scott & White Hillcrest may be made online or by check.  Please mail to BSW CTX Foundation, MS-202-S103, 2401 S. 31st Street, Temple, TX 76508.  Gifts to St. Anthony’s Care Center may be mailed to 7501 Bagby Drive, Waco, TX, 76712.  Please mention Wayne Loomis when sending all gifts.