Wayne Laduke

Wayne L. LaDuke passed away peacefully at his home in Escondido, California, November 5, 2023. Wayne was born on March 6, 1936. He was the son of Raymond and Ruth LaDuke. Brother of Eugene LaDuke.

Wayne was raised on the family farm about nine miles outside of Atwood. He graduated from Atwood High School with the class of 1953.

August 6, 1960, Wayne married the love of his life Patty in the Atwood United Methodist Church. Wayne was a devoted and loving husband for more than 47 years. After Patty passed away, his devout love for her remained for the rest of his life. He was a loving and an involved father to their three children, ten grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren.

Wayne was a hard worker and great provider for his family. He had an extensive career as an Airline Mechanic with Continental Airlines, which he received full retirement after many years of employment. His career at Continental Airlines enabled him to take his family on vacations to many fun and exciting places. He was well liked and respected by his coworkers and made friends all over the United States during his career.

He was a huge San Diego Padres and Kansas City Chiefs fan. And, in his younger years he coached the little league and was an active member of the local little league board of directors for many years.

Wayne enjoyed fishing and was an avid hunter, traveling back to Atwood for his annual hunting trips. Pheasant season was a favorite of his.

Wayne loved country music, with Johnny Cash and Vince Gill being a couple of artists he listened to often. One of his favorite pastimes was watching old westerns on television. He was a true fan of John Wayne. He especially loved watching Bonanza and Gunsmoke episodes.

Preceding Wayne in death were his loving wife Patricia Ann Shipley LaDuke; parents, Raymond and Ruth LaDuke; brother Eugene LaDuke; and niece, Kimberly Ann LaDuke.

He leaves behind children, Peggy LaDuke and Scott Van Der Sluis, Penny LaDuke, Mike and wife Paula LaDuke, grandchildren, Sommer and husband Ron Parker, Justin, Nicole, Megan and Wayne May, Tyler, Heather, Garrett, Jackson, Morgan and Nick DeSantis, and Austin, great-grandchildren, Riley, Carson, Reagan, Liam, Nolan, Felicity, Grady, Rhys and Callum (the twins), Alaina, Everleigh, and Nora, Sister-in-law, Marianne Cowley of Plainville, KS, Sister-in-law, Joyce and husband Terry Biems of McPherson, KS, sister-in-law Zelma Shipley of Baytown, TX, Brother-in-law Pete and wife Kristi Nickerson of Westminster, CO; many cousins, nieces and nephews and a host of friends.

Wayne will be greatly missed every day, but we are pleased knowing that he is safe in Heaven with our Heavenly Father and is back in the arms of his loving wife Patty. A grand reunion is now unfolding with family and friends in Heaven.

A celebration of life luncheon will be held on Saturday, July 6, 2024, at the Prairie Developmental Center, 208 4th St., Atwood, KS. Followed by a graveside service at 4:00 p.m. at Fairview Cemetery, Atwood, KS. For information or condolences visit baalmannmortuary.com