Obituary for Wayne Kiser

Wayne Kiser

February 17, 1944 – May 4, 2018

Wayne Kiser passed away on Friday, May 4, 2018, at his home in Ponca City. Wayne was born on February 17, 1944 in El Dorado, Kansas to Leo and Myrtle Kiser. He was the 4th of five children, and was raised on a farm around Augusta, Kansas. Wayne attended Lily Lake School in rural Augusta for grades 1-8, thinking it was a big, beautiful place where he had many good memories. One day a few years back, he decided he wanted to show Linda his beloved school. What a surprise and laugh they had as they drove up to this little tiny white building, no trees, no grass. He went to “town” school after Lily Lake and graduated from Augusta High School in 1962.

Being raised on a farm with a dad who believed that everybody should work, he learned at an early age what it took to be a farmer and was even driving a tractor by the age of 7. Besides farm work, he worked at a service station until after he graduated high school when he was offered the opportunity to learn how to do auto body repair. Choosing that as his career, he eventually became manager of Bowker Body Shop from 1974 until his retirement in 2010.

In 1963 he married Linda Beadles in Wichita, Kansas, where they lived until moving to Ponca City in 1971. Wayne and Linda celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary last February. They had two children: Douglas Leo and Cathy Irene. Doug was Wayne’s “right-hand-man,” working alongside his dad at the body shop from the time he was in 4th grade, learning how to repair cars, and eventually taking over as shop manager for Wayne at the time of his retirement. He was especially proud of Cathy. She excels in everything she does, from being a wonderful wife and mother to having a successful career as a Certified Insurance Counselor.

Wayne enjoyed being outside, woodworking, and playing golf. More than that, he loved and enjoyed his 5 granddaughters and had a special place in his heart for his two-year-old great-grandson. The family is looking forward to the birth of his first great-granddaughter. Wayne wasn’t a dog person, that is until Bella came along. The pup he bought for Linda quickly became his dog. He loved that little dog. Wayne and Linda raised their family at Woodlands Christian Church, where he served on the diaconate for 40 years. Being a diaconate member was an honor for him. He tried to never miss the Sunday it was his week to serve communion and receive the offering. In the spring and summer, even as he aged, you could find Wayne mowing that huge church lawn.

Wayne is survived by his wife Linda, his son Doug and wife Christy Kiser, daughter Cathy and husband Philip Heiliger, his granddaughters: Billie Jo and husband Fred Beard; Dr. Jennifer and husband Mike Duroy; Ashlee and husband Avery Craddock, Natalie Heiliger and Emily Heiliger, his great-grandson Benjamin Beard, one sister, Judy and husband Frank Reyes, plus many other beloved family members. He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother David Kiser and two sisters, Bonnie Gfeller and Alyce Maness.

Casket bearers will be Doug Kiser, Curtis Adams, David Cooper, Mike Duroy, Fred Beard, Avery Craddock, and Philip Heiliger.

Burial will be at Resthaven at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, May 8, followed by a celebration of Wayne’s life at Woodlands Christian Church at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Woodlands Christian Church.

Arrangements are under the direction of Trout Funeral Home & Crematory.

Source: Trout Funeral Home