Wayne E. Willrath

Wayne Eugene Willrath, age 72, passed away at his home in Celina.

He was born October 14, 1947, in Celina, to the late Edwin George Karl Willrath and Crystal Marie (Yaney) Willrath Heindel.

Wayne and Marsha A. Colson were married on June 7, 1970, and she survives.  Their only child, Karl A. Willrath, passed away August 19, 2011.

He is survived by Marsha's brothers & sisters: Gordon (Darcy) Colson of Canyon Lake, Texas, Allan (Rose) Colson of Celina, Randy Colson of St. Marys, Diana (John) Chaffee of Salinas, California, and Sheri (John) Heeb and Robin (Mark) Gilstrap of Celina, and many nieces & nephews.

Also surviving are two cousins: Larry and Darrell Willrath, and also many cousins on the Yaney side of the family.

He was preceded in death by his parents-in-law: Donald O. & Mary E. Colson and a sister-in-law, Jan Colson.

Wayne was a 1965 graduate of Parkway High School.  He served 27 years in the Military, and was a Veteran of the Vietnam War.  Wayne served with the U.S. Army, and later joined the U.S. Air Force Reserves in Fort Wayne.  

During his military career, Wayne traveled extensively.  Some of the many places he was stationed were Germany, Africa, Maryland, Fort Knox and Washington State.  

After his military service, Wayne worked at The Fremont Company in Rockford.  He was a life member of V.F.W. Post #5713 and attended Grace Missionary Church in Celina.  

An avid military historian, he particularly enjoyed researching the Vietnam War and World War II.  Wayne enjoyed hunting rabbits and deer, and liked to watch wrestling and NASCAR racing.

Graveside Services will be held at Buck Cemetery, near Celina, at 2:00 PM on Monday, October 5th, with Pastor Bruce Ekern officiating.

Contributions in memory of Wayne may be made to the charity of the donor's choice.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Wayne E. Willrath, please visit our floral store.