October 20, 1922 - April 21, 2013
Wayne L. Eacker Obituary
Obedient son, fun-loving brother, loyal husband, patient father, pleased grandfather, and enthusiastic teacher, Wayne passed away on April 21, 2013, at the age of 90. He was born in Bartlett, Nebraska on October 20, 1922. Due to dustbowl conditions during the Depression, as a young boy Wayne returned to Idaho with his family where he grew up on a farm in the shadow of Spud Hill in the town of Deary. When WWII broke out, Wayne joined the Navy and spent several years in officer training at Iowa State University at Ames, Iowa, where he was actively involved in Intervarsity Fellowship. Upon graduating with a degree in Electrical Engineering, and after some additional coursework at Whitworth, Wayne entered the profession at which he was to excel. He started teaching math at Havermale Junior High and then moved on to the newly-built Shadle Park High School where he taught for 24 years until retiring in 1981. A loyal Highlander, Wayne functioned as head of the math department; he truly enjoyed the teaching experience and especially the interaction with his students. Wayne enjoyed the simple things of life and never wasted a day. He was a lifelong learner; he raised his own bees, gardened avidly, appreciated the challenge of stream fishing, and built a log cabin with brother, Lyle, deep in the woods near Deary. Wayne traveled extensively - from China to Israel to Jamaica to Paris. He began running at age 44 winning many age-group awards including several high finishes at Bloomsday. Wayne remained a diligent exerciser and vitamin taker...although his favorite sport was tennis, which he played with friends several times each week. But most importantly, Wayne accepted the Lord as his Savior at a revival meeting with his friend, Billy Swanson, at age 15. He was a very active member of Fourth Memorial Church for over 60 years. He taught fourth-grade Sunday School classes for several decades, helped with construction at Riverview Bible Camp, ushered, and much more. Wayne's most fortunate encounter was with Velma Clausen who became his wife on August 6, 1950. She, too, was a dedicated educator, a constant learner, and a faithful companion for 47 years. They had four children: Paul (1951), John (1956), and Cindy (1961)...and an "unofficial", Chinese son - John Tsoi. Wayne is survived by all of his children, their spouses (Gail, Mary and Judy); five grandchildren (Beth, Sam, Lena, Conner, and Alexzander), a much-loved kid brother (Lyle); all of his sisters-in-law (Nadine, JoAnn, Clara, and Irene); and many special nephews and nieces. Preceding him in death are his wife (Velma - 1997), parents (George and Christie), brother (Carroll), sister (Margie), brothers-in-law (Harold, Elmer, and Ken), and granddaughter (Gabby). Special thanks to the staff at Cornerstone Court, Spokane, for the outstanding care over the last three years--especially Cynthia, Emily, Wanda, Lonnie, and others who took a special interest in Wayne. Visitation will be Thursday, 10AM-5PM at Heritage and a Funeral Service at 1PM, Friday, April 26, 2013 at Heritage Chapel. In lieu of flowers, any gifts of remembrance may be sent to Fourth Memorial Church, 2000 N. Standard St., Spokane, WA 99207.
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