Wayne Neeley

(From Derfelt Funeral Home)

Dalton Wayne Neeley 83, passed from this life on Wednesday, May 6, 2020 unexpectedly at Legacy Living, Topeka, KS.

Wayne was born June 17, 1936 to Thomas and Levada (Alcorn) Neeley at Burkburnett, TX.

Wayne joined the United States Air Force in 1954, serving at Forbes Field Air Force Base in Topeka, KS with Strategic Air Command (SAC). While on weekend leave met Mary Barrett of Columbus, KS and were later married on May 19, 1956 in Columbus.

Wayne served in the Air Force for 20 ½ years and was also stationed at Schilling Air force Base in Salina, KS; Amarillo Air Force Base Texas; Wright-Patterson Air force Base in Dayton, OH; and Fairchild Air Force Base in Spokane, WA, serving during the Korean and Vietnam Wars. Wayne retired on July 31, 1974 and returned to Columbus, KS.

Wayne attended Pittsburg State University Vocational School for welding in 1975 and 1976. He was employed at Dickey Clay in Pittsburg, KS for several years.

Wayne was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Mary Neeley in 2016; sisters, Gale Neeley, Mildred Clark, and Dorothy Bailey; brothers, Franklin Neeley, Marion Neeley, Ronnie Neeley, Doug Neeley, Larry Neeley, Jerry Neeley, Terry Neeley, and Ricky Neeley; son-in-law, Rick Johnson.

Wayne is survived by daughters, Beverly Hess and husband Gale of Chetopa, KS, and Debbie Johnson of Oronogo, MO; sons, Robert Neeley and wife Sharon of Olney, TX, and Vic Neeley and wife Keli of Augusta, KS; 10 grandchildren, 23 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Sisters, Rita Rist, and Carol Lovins of Tulsa, OK; brothers, Weldon Neeley of Nashville, TN, and Kerry Neeley of Tulsa, OK.

In respect to COVID-19 a private family graveside will take place at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, May 16, 2020 at Edgmand Cemetery, Columbus, KS. Robert Blake will officiate. Family and friends may pay their respects on Friday, May 15, 2020 from 10:00-4:00 p.m., at Derfelt Funeral Home, Columbus, KS. Memorial donations may be made to the Assembly of god Church, Columbus, KS in care of the funeral home. Graveside services on Saturday will be live streamed through Derfelt Funeral Homes Facebook page. Online condolences may be expressed at www.derfeltfuneralhomes.com.