Wayne Emery Vacca

Wayne Emery Vacca 88, Horton, Mo., formally of Liberal, Mo., passed away Monday, Feb. 8, 2016, at Nevada Regional Medical Center. Wayne was born Nov. 23, 1927, near Verdella, Mo., to Emery and Agatha Cleffman Vacca.

Wayne was a veteran, having served during World War II in the U.S. Navy from 1945-46, and in Korea in the U.S. Marines from 1952-54.

He had a master's degree in physics and taught math at Liberal High School. Wayne was not only a teacher; he also kept busy farming, until he retired from teaching in the early 1980s. After retirement he became a full time farmer. He was a member of the Retired Teachers Association and the American Legion. He was very talented creating works of art, working with wood, paint and various media.

He married Ruth Salina in 1956 and they were together until her passing in 1994. Wayne later met Patty Edmonds and they were married in 1995.

He is survived by his wife, Patty, of the home; daughters, Kathi Lunday, Pittsburg, Kan., Carol Gaines, Liberal, Mo., and Pam Wingate, Rich Hill, Mo.; a brother, Neil Vacca, Phoenix, Ariz.; sisters, Jean Williams, Joplin, Mo., Betty Allen, Phoenix, Ariz., and Irma Darlington, Wichita, Kan.; grandchildren, Josh Gaines, James Lunday, Shane Lunday, Kim Wingate and Doug White; and great-grandchildren, Gabby, Izzy, Jewel, Luke, Hannah, E.J. and J.D.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Ruth; his sister, Norma Vacca; and grandson, Matthew Gaines.

Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 11, and service will be at 10 a.m., Friday, Feb. 12, at Konantz Warden Funeral Home. Burial will be at Shiloh Cemetery with full military honors.

Donations may be made to Shiloh Cemetery in care of the funeral home.

The obituary can be viewed and condolences sent online at konantzwarden.com.