Wayne peacefully joined our Heavenly Father in the early morning of February 10, 2024, in Apopka, FL. He was born August 10, 1937, to Floyd and Mary Lauraine Wesley, formerly of East Gary, IN. He was 86.
Wayne earned a BS at Ball State Teachers College in 1959. While at Ball State, he became a member of Omicron Chapter, Sigma Tau Gamma Fraternity, and met his lovely wife, Catherine. He earned an MA at University of Chicago in 1964, and continued studies in social sciences at Purdue University Calumet. He was a member of The American Heritage Society, Indiana Council for the Social Studies, National Council for the Social Studies, and Phi Delta Kappa.
Wayne was employed by School City of Hammond for 37 years. Being an enthusiastic educator, Wayne “did it with class,” always wearing a collared shirt and a tie in his classroom. He was a teacher of social sciences and coached boys’ sports which included golf, cross country, wrestling, and track at “Tech” High School until its unfortunate closing in 1982. Wayne chose to continue his work at Clark High School until his retirement. During the summers, besides teaching, he worked at Inland Steel and Pyramids, Inc. of Hammond, a youth development program.
Wayne and his wife chose to raise their two sons in Lansing, IL. He coached Lansing Little League baseball, and was a competitive athlete, being a “road runner,” and a member of Calumet Region Striders. After Wayne and Catherine retired, they moved to Lafayette, IN. He found time to play golf, a sport he really liked, and worked at the historic Lafayette Country Club. They enjoyed attending sporting events at Purdue. Wayne was an official for many Purdue men’s and women’s cross country, and track and field meets. For the past eight years, Wayne slowed down a bit, residing with family in Apopka, FL.
He leaves behind his wife of 64 years, Catherine “Tootsie” (Slanac), Winter Park, FL; two sons: Mike (Ann) Wesley, Apopka, FL, and Tom (Kristin) Wesley, Cedar Lake, IN; five grandchildren: Nathan, Nick (Yan Zhou), Ben, Ella, and Eva; and one sister: Mrs. Judith Jane Bryja, Portage, IN.
His remains are in the care of Loomis Funeral Home, Apopka, FL. No services will be held. In lieu of flowers, “don’t forget your push-ups!”
This heritage started 67 years ago with Pastor Herbert F. Loomis, who founded the First Baptist Church of Daytona Beach, Florida, in 1934. In 1938 Francis E. Loomis, son of Pastor Herbert F. Loomis, received his license to practice Mortuary Science and in 1941 established Loomis Funeral Home of Winter Garden, FL. 
420 W Main St
Apopka, FL 32712-3452
Dan Weiss says
Sorry for the loss of a great gentleman and educator.
Gary Ridgley says
Not only was I fortunate to have “Coach” Wesley as a teacher at Tech but also as a fellow teacher and Coach at Clark. He was always upbeat and outgoing as a teacher and Coach.
REST IN PEACE “COACH” WESLEY and thank you for being a great mentor and friend since 1968.
My deepest condolences to the family…you will be missed!
Cecelia Bragg says
Attended summer school with Mr. Wesley. He would write inspirational words on the blackboard. I kept a notebook of all of those quotes. Im 75 and til this day, I still love inspirational words to guide me. Thank you, Mr. Wesley.
Pat Montalbano says
Long live the memory of Coach Wes. Thank you for the thousands of students and athletes that you have positively influenced in your life. We are all better people for knowing you. And we will never forget the push-ups. May the love and support of your family and friends bring you comfort during this difficult time. My thoughts are with you.
Don Bachmann says
Taught, coached and socialized with Wes for decades. He was always the professional and had kids interests in the front. Lots of great memories. God bless.
Bach
Mary Stark says
I taught with Wayne at both Tech & Clark. He was a wonderful teacher & coach. May he rest in peace.
Steve Stanek says
Coach Wesley was more than a teacher. He was a great understanding Cross Country coach. He got me in some great meets indoor outdoor track meets. He was honestly a leader of men. Sharp dressed man. He also taught me about real estate. I would not be where I am today without his teachings. RIP coach!!
Robert Pemberton says
I’m really saddened to hear of the passing of Mr. Wesley.
I didn’t have the best time in High school like a lot of kids but I considered him my favorite teacher. I really enjoyed being in his class and I respected him greatly. Sometimes you just have a connection with people. I won’t ever forget him. I do believe he made a positive difference in many a students lives. My sincere condolences to his family and friends. God bless.
Sue Yerkes says
We, Sue and Jack Yerkes, are so sorry to hear of Wayne’s passing. Wayne and Cathy were our very good friends while they lived in Lansing. We enjoyed dinners, potlucks, Christmas parties throughout those years. We know he will be missed by so many.
Miguel A Burgos Jr says
Our deepest condolences from the Burgos Family. He was on of my favorite teachers and a great wrestling and track coach! He will be missed.
Jean clune says
So sorry for your loss. I went to college with Wayne and Cathy. Cathy was a sorority sister of mine and continued to be in our alumni group for many years. We all have spent many good times together. Wayne was a great guy that everyone enjoy. He will be missed by many.
Telly says
He was the best teacher! God bless you all as you grieve today. Sending prayers!
Joel Romero says
Run 14
Final destination
RIP. Wes
Aurelio Álvarez says
Mr Wesley was one of the kindest and most thoughtful teachers I ever had. I was his social studies student at George Rogers Clark in 1984-85, as well as a member of his Cross Country and Track & Field teams. He gently but firmly encouraged me to be better, in the classroom and on the run. I have always been grateful for having crossed paths with him.
Eventually, I had my best race at the Marrakech Marathon in January of 1993, and I’ve subsequently become a high school teacher, myself, at North Miami Senior High School (FL), where I split my time between the Mathematics and Athletics Departments.
On my bulletin board in the Pioneers Athletics office, I have the yearbook photo of our 1984 Cross Country team on display. I can definitely say that Mr Wesley had a lasting and positive impact on me.
Buenas noches, Coach Wesley 💖, descansa en paz. 🕊️🙏🏼
🎼 Long may you run 🎶
Joan M. Harris says
My memories of Wayne began when I was 12 years old. He was dating my big sister, Cathy. On my twelfth birthday he gave me a cool “No Parking” sign pillow. That was the beginning of a lifelong relationship with Wayne as my brother-in-law.
I will always remember him lovingly. Joanie