8/28/1947 – 12/6/2024
Lawrence
Wayne Edward Spellman, 77, died peacefully on December 6, 2024, with his wife, Sue, at his side. He was born August 28th, 1947, in Salina, Kansas to Paul and Irma Spellman of Gypsum, Kansas. He attended Gypsum grade and high schools and graduated with the Class of 1965. He was very active in sports.
Wayne attended Kansas State University in Manhattan, Kansas graduating with his Bachelor of Arts in Finance in 1969. In September of 1969 Wayne served in the US Army in Vietnam and Germany as a Military Policeman. He received an honorable discharge for his service to his country in 1971. On May 17, 1974, Wayne married Susan (Sue) Forke. They celebrated 50 years of marriage in May 2024. They lived in Lawrence for over 50 years where Wayne worked as a Supervisor of Payroll at Kansas University until his retirement. While working at Kansas University they “adopted” 19 international students who became a special part of their family.
He was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his beloved wife, Sue Spellman, Lawrence, Kansas; brother, Gary (Marva) Spellman of Lyons, Kansas; twin sister, Gail (Jim) Assink of Lynden, Washington; and many nieces and nephews.
A Visitation will be held Friday, Dec. 13, 2024, from 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM followed by a celebration of life service from 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, Lawrence, Kansas. A graveside service will be held for family and friends on Saturday, Dec. 14, 2024, at 11:00 AM, at Gypsum Cemetery, Gypsum, Kansas.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Wayne’s honor can be sent to the Lawrence Humane Society.
Online condolences made at rumsey-yost.com
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