H. Wayne Vandyne

H Wayne VanDyne, 95, was welcomed into the Heavenly Angel Choir, on Friday, February 21, 2020, at Montgomery Place in Independence. Harry Wayne VanDyne was born in the family home on the farm east of Independence, the first son and fifth of ten children of Harry R and Florence (Kennedy) VanDyne, July 12, 1924. Wayne lived his entire life just one mile from his birthplace. He attended Harmony School District 20 through 8th grade which was within walking distance of his home. Wayne graduated from Independence High School in 1942. He spent a short 9 months in the Army Air Corp.
On June 9, 1946, he was united in marriage to Betty Jane Rogers. To this union was born four children: Sharon (Glen) Dikes of Oklahoma City, OK, Jayne (Lee) Mattix of Independence, Kent (Sarah) VanDyne of Shawnee, KS, and Andy (Kris) VanDyne of Rogersville, MO.
Wayne farmed, milked grade A dairy cows, sold eggs to Safeway stores, produced hatching eggs to a hatchery in Cherryvale, was a rural postal carrier, built more than 70 Standard Homes in the SEK area, and mentored many young men in the hay field. Being a farmer would be one of his favorite titles throughout his life. He was always reading and keeping abreast of the latest techniques and advances in the agricultural community up until a few weeks before his death. Wayne was recognized for his conservation practices and received the Young Farmer Award.
Wayne was a lifetime member of the First Church of the Nazarene. In the early 1950's the church choir was involved in a weekly “Showers of Blessings” radio broadcast. Wayne was the choir director at the church for almost 30 years. He served on the church board for many years, taught a Sunday School class for 60+ years, and was a key player in helping build the current church building. He participated in many Work and Witness projects, some of them taking him out of the USA. He went on a group tour of Israel in 1978.
In the mid 1950's, Wayne was involved in a large community men's choir. He was also involved in the community choirs that would perform the Messiah on a yearly basis and encouraged others to participate also. Wayne and Betty would travel to other places in Kansas to hear the Messiah. He enjoyed listening to it while in the nursing home. Wayne was also a part of the Monday Music Club for many years.
Wayne was involved in the Gideons International for several years until health would no longer allow it. He made many trips to schools and other locations to hand out Bibles.
Wayne was a lifetime member of the Cherryvale FFA and received recognition on several occasions for his involvement and being a contributor to the consignment sales.
Survivors left to extend his memory are: wife, Betty Jane of 73 years, children, Sharon, Jayne, Kent and Andy. Being “The Grandpa” was a cherished title that contributed to his long life. He vigilantly kept up to date with his ten grandchildren and fourteen great-grandchildren. Five sisters survive: Frances Whitehorn of Bartlesville, OK, Thelma Canaday, Helen Norcross, and June Brannum all of Independence and brother John VanDyne of Parsons, KS. Four siblings are deceased including: Dorothy Ford, Hester VanDyne, Don VanDyne and Glen VanDyne.
Family will receive friends at 1 pm on Saturday, February 29 before the celebration of life service at 2 pm, at the First Church of the Nazarene in Independence. The family encourages wearing the color red to the funeral. This was Wayne's favorite color. A private burial has taken place at rural Harmony Cemetery.
Memorials can be made to the Children's program at the Independence First Church of the Nazarene, the Harry Hynes Hospice, or the Gideons. Memorials can be left with the Wickham Family Funeral Home, 216 E 4th, Cherryvale, KS.
A final closure service will be held at the Harmony Cemetery at 4 p.m., February 29.