Wayne Compton
June 17, 1921 — June 25, 2016
Wayne H. Compton, 95, of Van Wert, Ohio, passed at 7 p.m. on Saturday, June 25, surrounded by his family at Vancrest in Van Wert. Wayne was born in Haviland, Ohio, on June 17, 1921, the son of H. E. and Iris (Miller) Compton.
On November 24, 1942, he married Mary (Horine) Compton, who survives.
Wayne and Mary had three children: Tom Compton (Cheryl) of Cincinnati, Ohio; Kay Okuley (Roger) of Van Wert; and Ned Compton (Cindy) also of Van Wert.
They had nine grandchildren: Trent Compton (Shannon) of Cincinnati; Kelly Beatty (Chris) also of Cincinnati; Claire Miller (John) of Louisville, Kentucky; Carrie Geers (Jim) of Lebanon, Ohio; Laine Gutierrez (Adrian) of Gastonia, North Carolina; Neil Okuley (Abbey) of Chicago, Illinois; Luke Compton (Debby) of Van Wert; Cory Compton (Ashley) also of Van Wert; and Jane Greve (Ben) of Kettlersville, Ohio.
They were also blessed with 21 great grandchildren.
Those passing before Wayne include his parents and a great grandchild, Will Compton.
Wayne was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Van Wert, the Van Wert Rotary Club, the Van Wert Masonic Lodge and the Van Wert American Legion.
After attending Giffin College and Findlay College, Wayne entered the United States Army and served in World War II. He received his fighter pilot certification and then served as an infantryman in Europe. He was awarded the Bronze Star.
Upon returning from the war, Wayne began his professional life as a builder. He started as a carpenter for a Lima construction company. At the same time, he built houses at night in Van Wert. This enabled him to start his own construction company, Brown and Compton Builders, along with his partner, Gus Brown. Years later he established Compton Construction, Inc. Wayne was in the building business for over 50 years. After his retirement, Wayne was instrumental in helping with 10 Habitat for Humanity houses along with many other community projects.
Wayne's greatest loves were the Lord, his church, his loving wife of 73 years, Mary, his children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and friends. Family and friends all enjoyed Wayne's loving kindness and wonderful sense of humor.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. on Thursday, June 30, 2016, at the First United Methodist Church in Van Wert. The Rev. Gus Cristo-Baker and the Rev. Paul Miller will officiate. Friends may call at Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home in Van Wert on Wednesday, June 29. from 3-7 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, preferred memorials are to the First United Methodist Church of Van Wert.