Friday, May 13, 2016

Wayne Hackney

(From Parker Mortuary)

H. Wayne Hackney, Jr. passed away on May 12, 2016 at his home in Columbus, Kansas. 

He was born on February 18, 1936 in Joplin, Missouri. He was the son of Hubert Wayne Hackney, Sr. and Kathryn Nelson Hackney. Wayne attended grade school at Royal Heights Elementary and graduated from Joplin High School in 1954. He was an honor student and an Eagle Scout. He coached youth sports as a young man and continued coaching many sports for his own children. He was in the ROTC program in school and continued his service in the Missouri National Guard. He attended Joplin Junior College and then transferred to the University of Arkansas where he graduated with a degree in Electrical Engineering in 1959. Wayne loved Arkansas and considered himself an adopted native son and a “Razorback for Life” after his time there. He lived part time at Beaver Lake for many years enjoying the lake and his many friends at Beaver Shores in Rogers. He began working for The Empire District Electric Company in the summers during his college years and was offered a job even before graduation to continue working there as an engineer. He remained with Empire for his entire career and retired in 1995 as Director of Industrial Accounts. He was active in the community, serving terms as President of both Joplin Jaycees and Joplin Rotary Club, as well as serving on numerous Economic Security Councils and Advisory Boards for the City of Joplin and the State of Missouri. He also had a heart for anyone with special needs, and made time to serve in leadership roles on the Board of the Joplin Sheltered Workshop and Special Olympics for many years.

Wayne married Patty Courtright in 1960. She passed away in 1996. They had two children, Janet and Bob. He married Dixie Wells in 2000 in Eureka Springs. They enjoyed many happy years of retirement, with traveling, dancing, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. They were often joined on many of their trips by his wonderful sister-in-law, Dianna Atkinson. He never missed a track meet, a play, a football game, concert or any activity that his kids or grandkids participated in. He loved us and we loved him.

Wayne is survived by his wife, Dixie, of Columbus, who always took such wonderful care of him. He is also survived by his son Bob and daughter-in-law Amy of Carl Junction and their two boys, Wayne’s grandsons, Nate (Hannah) of Carl Junction and Seth (Brekken) of Joplin. Wayne is survived by one daughter Janet of Carl Junction and his only grandaughter, Jillian. He was also blessed with a stepdaughter Deanne (Shane) Goben of Tulsa and their boys, Blake and Bryce. He especially enjoyed his two great grandchildren, Jack and Jude with a new great grandson due this summer. He is also survived by his sister, Charlene Bauer of Bella Vista.

Wayne was a happy man who enjoyed life. He took care of his family and saw to it that they had everything they needed. He was known for always having a smile on his face. In fact, one of his favorite sayings was, "If you see someone without a smile, give them one of yours." He will be greatly missed by all of his family and many friends.

A memorial service will be held on Monday, May 16, 2016 at 11:00 AM at Parker Mortuary with Father Frank Sierra officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Bright Futures of Carl Junction in the care of Parker Mortuary.

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