Wayne Reardon

Wayne E. Reardon was a man who did ordinary things in an extraordinary way. He lived his life with purpose, putting his family and country first in his thoughts and deeds. He was a good provider and a loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. He was an honored veteran of WWII.

Born on October 21, 1923 in Jackson, Michigan to RZ Glenn and Lorena (Herington) Reardon, Wayne was the second of six children. Glenn and Lorena worked hard to raise Wayne and his siblings: Marguerite, Shirley, Dorothy, Robert, and Mildred. Glenn provided for the family while Lorena stayed home to care for the children and run the household. The decade following Wayne’s birth was known as the “roaring twenties.” They were good times, not only economically, but in all the areas needed to raise a family. Women at this time were gaining unprecedented economic as well as social freedoms. While Wayne was still young, the Reardon family decided to move from Jackson to Kalamazoo, Michigan. Wayne attended Kalamazoo Central High School, until it was time to serve his country. Later he proudly went on to earn his GED.

One of Wayne’s classmates had a pretty younger sister who attracted his attention. The younger sister’s name was Mary “Joane” Engel. Wayne and Joane got to know each other and started dating. Their romance was interrupted by WWII.

After Japan attacked Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, many young men joined the military to help defend our country. Wayne was one of the men that put his education and personal life on hold to serve in the United States Navy for the duration of the war.

When Wayne came back to civilian life, he and Joane decided to make their love official. They eloped and ran away to be married in Angola, Indiana. In Michigan they would have needed her parents’ permission to marry!

Wayne and Joane started their married life together in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Over the years they brought four beautiful children into the world: Bonnie, Marc, Barb and Diane. Wayne found employment in the Mobile Home Industry as a purchasing agent, while Joane stayed home to care for the children. He stayed in the industry for over thirty years before retiring. Not only was Wayne a good provider, he was a wonderful father too. When he could he found time to play with the children and make each one feel loved and special.

Later, when Wayne and Joane became grandparents and great grandparents, they again stepped into the role of grand parenthood as easily as they had stepped into the role of parenthood. Wayne again spent time with the grandchildren and gave each one the love that only a grandfather can give.

Even though Wayne prided himself on being an independent person, he still enjoyed being home with his family more than anything. In his quieter moments, he would listen to Frank Sinatra, “My Way”, being among his favorites.

Wayne Reardon was a man made in the mold of the WWII generation. He did his duty without thought of reward and without complaint. He was a good provider. He served his country and he loved his family, doing both well. He will be missed by all who knew him in his long and fruitful life.

Wayne E. Reardon, of Plainwell, passed away September 13, 2008.

Wayne is preceded in death by his three sisters, Marguerite Struben; Shirley Root; Mildred Van Antwerp. He is survived by his wife, Joane; 4 children: Bonnie Fowler, of Plainwell; Marc (Janet) Reardon, of Kalamazoo; Barb (Mick) Davis, of NY; Diane (John) Tuthill, of OH. He is also survived by eight grandchildren; ten great grandchildren; one sister: Dorothy (Gene) Watson, of Plainwell; one brother, Robert (Ilene) Reardon, of Kalamazoo.

Learn more about Wayne, view his Life Story film, and visit with his family and friends Tuesday at 10 AM until the time of the service at the Life Story Funeral Home, Plainwell Chapel, 120 S. Woodhams. Funeral services will be held at 11 AM Tuesday at the funeral home.

Please visit Wayne’s memory page at www.lifestorynet.com, where you can archive a favorite memory or photo, sign his memory book online before coming to the funeral home or make a memorial donation to the American Cancer Society or American Diabetes.