Wayne R. Barnaby

Wayne R. Barnaby, age 94, of Berkey, Ohio, passed away Monday, May 5, 2014, at his home with Katherine and Brian at his bedside. After a fall in mid March and declining health thereafter, he continued to grow weak. He was born May 7, 1919 to Adin and Grace (Steten) Barnaby.

Wayne was a machine gunner in the Army stationed in northern Africa, Tunisia, Sardinia and Corsica Italy. He was the recipient of 2 Bronze Stars.

Wayne’s passion was horse racing, and he looked forward attending horse races at Raceway Park. He always loved going to the “Little Brown Jug” every September in Delaware, Ohio, and still managed to attend at the age of 92. He also loved to play euchre with family and friends.

Wayne was lifetime farmer. He was a member of Metamora United Methodist Church, Lyons VFW Post #7574 and the Wauseon Elks.

Surviving are his children, Cheryl (Edwin) Pawlicki of Morrison, IL, Brent (Melanie) Barnaby of Ft. Myers, FL and Brian (Luann) Barnaby of Berkey, OH; 8 grandchildren, Chris Pawlicki, Jennifer (Andy) Spitler, Ryan (Melissa) Barnaby, Brandon (Eryn) Barnaby, Megan (Jason) Martz, Adam Barnaby, Andrew (Kelly) Barnaby, and Adrienne (Jay Driftmyer) Barnaby. Wayne also had 14 great-grandchildren, Michael and Caroline Pawlicki, Abi and Austin Spitler, Reece and Drew Barnaby, Brayton and Kennedy Barnaby, Maci and Dawson Martz, Logan and Kaitlyn Barnaby, and Nolan and Kooper Barnaby. He is also survived by his longtime companion and caregiver, Katherine Blystone.

Wayne was preceded in death by his wife, Erma (Iffland) Barnaby in 1999; brothers, Albert, Ralph and Douglas; and sisters, Velma Gordon and Ruth Wright.

Visitation will be held Friday, May 9th from 2 to 8 p.m. at the Weigel Funeral Home in Metamora (419.644.3601), where funeral services will be held Saturday, May 10th at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Tyler Kleeberger officiating. Interment, with Military Rites, will follow at Amboy Township Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to ProMedica Hospice or Metamora United Methodist Church.

Residence: Berkey, Ohio

Visitation: Friday, May 9th from 2 to 8 pm at the Weigel Funeral Home in Metamora

Funeral Service: Saturday, May 10th at 11:00 am in the Funeral Home

Interment: Amboy Township Cemetery