Wayne L. Graffis, age 91, formerly of La Porte, IN, passed away on May 1, 2018 at Timbercrest Senior Living Community in North Manchester, IN after a prolonged illness. Wayne was born March 5, 1927 in Star City, IN to Isaac Warren and Rose Blanche (Daily) Graffis. He married Gloria Lindgren, a lifelong La Porte resident and member of Grace Baptist Church on December 20, 1952.
Wayne is survived by his son, Brian (Bonnie) Graffis; daughter, Michelle (Greg) Rhoades; grandchildren, Brianna Graffis, Luke Rhoades and Nadia Rhoades; sister, Lois Remley; sisters-in-law, Dolores Buss, Barbara Lindgren and Annette Hundt; brother-in-law and sister-in-law Ralph and Judy Lindgren; as well as several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Gloria; his brother, Don Graffis; his sister-in-law, Nancy Graffis; and his brother-in-law, Dan Remley. After graduating high school, from April 1945 – April 1947, Wayne served in the Army Infantry in Italy as a Staff Sergeant in the 218th QMS/R company.
He graduated from Purdue University with a degree in Education. He coached basketball and taught in Union Mills, IN for 5 years and at Maple School for 9 ½ years. Later, Wayne obtained his Master’s degree at Indiana University and became principal of Kingsbury School.
He loved watching and participating in sports, golfing each weekend except during bowling season, when he bowled two nights a week. In the 1970’s, he won the La Porte City and La Porte County golf tournaments, accompanied by son Brian as his caddy for the county tourney. His bowling only improved after his retirement in the mid 1980’s when he joined a third bowling league and bowled several 300 games.
Wayne greatly valued family reunions and time spent with his golf and bowling friends. In May 2017, after accepting Jesus as his Lord and Savior, he moved to Timbercrest Senior Living Community in North Manchester, IN. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 1 PM (CT) on Saturday, May 12, 2018 at Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center with Dr. Wayne Moore officiating.
A time of visitation will be held on Saturday from 11 AM (CT) until the time of the service at the funeral home. A private burial will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to Grace Baptist Church, 2502 Monroe Street, La Porte, IN 46350 or to Timbercrest Senior Living Community, 2201 East Street, North Manchester, IN 46962 (a not-for-profit charitable organization).
Condolences may be shared with the family online at www. cutlerfuneralhome.com.
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