Wayne Blackerby, age 82 of Breckenridge, passed away Tuesday, Sept. 12, 2017. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m., Friday, Sept. 15, at Jeanette Street Church of Christ. Interment with full military honors will follow at 1 p.m. in the Texas State Veterans Cemetery in Abilene under the direction of Morehart Mortuary. Visitation will be held from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 14, at Morehart Mortuary.
Lester Wayne Blackerby was born on Jan. 20, 1935, to parents Lester Franklin Blackerby and Hulda Mae Alexander Blackerby in Throckmorton, Texas. He graduated from Breckenridge High School in 1954. After graduation, he went to Amarillo to attend Bible school for two years. On Sept. 27, 1957, Wayne married Gladis Beauchamp in Breckenridge. He was drafted into the United States Army and worked as a Personnel Sergeant until he retired from the military in 1980. In 1981, the family moved to West Jefferson, North Carolina, where he worked as an evangelism minister at a local church. He moved to Topsfield, Massachusetts, and worked at the Winchester Country Club until his retirement in 1997. Once he retired, Wayne and Gladis moved back to Breckenridge, where he served as the preacher at Jeanette Street Church of Christ. He spent his time studying the Word of God. He was a people person and loved everyone unconditionally, especially his grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lester and Hulda Blackerby; four brothers, Gorman, Buck, Newt and Punk Blackerby.
Mr. Blackerby is survived by his wife of nearly 60 years, Gladis Blackerby; four children, Marla Barter and husband Mike of Breckenridge, Gwen Burrow and husband Bob of Killeen, Dana Seeberger and husband Don, and Sharon Hopper and husband Greg, all of Tipp City, Ohio; one brother, Frank Blackerby and wife Guan of Dangerfield; two brothers-in-law, Carl Beauchamp and wife June, and David Beauchamp, all of Breckenridge; one sister-in-law, Ruby Berkley of Breckenridge; eight grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren.
Memorials may be made to Solaris Hospice or HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital of Abilene and may be left at Morehart Mortuary. Condolences may be made online at www.morehartmortuary.net.
