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In Memoriam

Jesuit Father David A. Wayne died May 8, 2014, in Parker, Colo. He was 76 years old and a Jesuit for 58 years. Born in Decatur, Ill., on June 29, 1937, Fr. Wayne entered the Society of Jesus at St. Stanislaus Seminary in Florissant, Mo., on August 8, 1955. After novitiate, Fr. Wayne studied philosophy and education at Saint Louis University. From 1962 to 1964 he taught English at St. Louis University High School while completing a master’s in education. He then taught English at St. John’s College in Belize for one year before beginning theology studies at St. Mary’s College in Kansas. After two years at St. Mary’s, Fr. Wayne completed an S.T.B. at Saint Louis University. He was ordained to the priesthood at the St. Louis Cathedral on June 4, 1968.

After ordination, Fr. Wayne returned to St. Louis University High where he taught religion for several years. Fr. Wayne was skilled with all things mechanical and electrical and was a talented administrator, so he was assigned a variety of jobs that made use of those skills. He served as a building superintendent both at St. Louis University High and at Jesuit Hall at Saint Louis University. For a year he served as assistant academic principal at Regis Jesuit High and for three years he was the director of the extension school, a high school certificate program at St. John’s College in Belize. During his time in Belize he also served as minister of the community.

In 1981 Fr. Wayne became the minister of the Jesuit Hall Community that, at the time, numbered about 90 men. He served in that capacity for 14 years, ensuring that the 15-story residence remained in good repair and that the temporal needs of the men were met. He was instrumental in forming a maintenance crew that was both professional and responsive.

In 1995 he was assigned to Regis Jesuit High School in Aurora, Colo., where he served as the facilities manager for 14 years. He kept the plant in working order even when money was tight and enjoyed working with the students. He supervised many of those on work-study after school and during the summer. He also served as a wise confessor and down-to-earth presider at student Masses.

In 2009, Fr. Wayne stepped down as facilities manager, but he continued to help with building maintenance and operation at both the high school and the Jesuit community. He also continued to engage in pastoral ministry with students and families. Fr. Wayne was a valued member of the Regis High Jesuit Community. Fr. Wayne is survived by his brother William and sisters Susan Welch, Nan Schmidbauer and Elizabeth Torcasso.

Memorial gifts may be made to the USA Central and Southern Province of the Society of Jesus at 4511 West Pine Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63108 or through this website