In April, 1945, Elmer and Audrey Churchman celebrated the birth of their first child and son, Elmer Wayne Churchman. Two parents couldn’t have been prouder and their pride increased as Wayne, the first of five children, grew into a smart, happy and kind boy. When Wayne was 9, his father died suddenly. Afterwards, as the eldest son, his mother designated him the man of the house. Wayne took the charge to heart and always did his best to live up to the responsibility placed on him at such a young age. During the years ahead, he worked hard. He threw paper routes, worked at the local grocery store and even sold shoes to help supplement the family income. While working to contribute monetarily, he also contributed to the upbringing of his siblings, teaching them how to ride a bike, build model cars, tie a tie, even polish their shoes. He also delivered kind instruction in being a good, hard working and responsible person and delivering the recurring message on the importance of family. After graduating high school, Wayne attended Texas Christian University, graduating in 1967 with a B.S. in Physics. It was at TCU that he met his best friend and future wife, Vici. They were married in August, 1965 and were married for the rest of his life. Together Wayne and Vici traveled the world, started their own business, built a beautiful house and raised a wonderful son, Chris. Throughout his life, Wayne was always experiencing new and bold adventures from racing cars to sailing to cooking…and he was good at all of them. He also could pick a really great bottle of wine and his photographs rival those of a professional. He continued his lifelong commitment to his siblings, giving advice and support and encouragement. He was generous with his time and his money and his love. This generosity of spirit extended not only to his wife, son and siblings, but also to work colleagues and friends. He was a mentor to many and a role model for all. He was kind and strong and brilliant; the very best father, husband, brother, uncle and friend. Wayne’s last years were a struggle, but he handled them as he handled all things in his life: with humor and strength and an appreciation for all that he had. He left us on Tuesday, August 18, 2020. We are all asking: “what do we do? He was always there to tell us.” We will do as Wayne would have done: be good, be kind, be strong, be thankful, love our family.

In Lieu of flowers the family request memorial donations be made to Big Brother and Sisters of America, which can be done by clicking the link below.


Memorial Service to be held 3:00p.m. Tuesday, April 20, 2021 at Woodhaven Presbyterian Church 3650 N O'Connor Rd, Irving, TX 75062.


To View Memorial Service For Wayne Churchman Please Click Here