John Bruce Wayne

John Bruce Wayne, 83, of Portage, MI passed away July 27, 2022 at Centrica Rose Arbor Place. John was born January 3, 1939 in Kalamazoo, MI to Burton and Rosalie (Velesz) Wayne. He was a 1957 graduate of St. Augustine High School and a pitcher on the baseball team. John was a dedicated and valued employee of 41 years at Borgess Medical Center working in materials management before retiring in 2004. He was a devout Catholic and a lifelong parishioner of St. Joseph Church in Kalamazoo. John was an avid Detroit Tigers and Detroit Lions fan, rarely missing a game on television or radio. He especially enjoyed listening to Ernie Harwell broadcasts of Tigers games. Going to the movie theatre or watching movies at home was a favorite pastime of his along with studying up on baseball and American history. John always looked forward to spending time with family during the holidays, while enjoying homemade lemon meringue pie made especially for him by his sister Beverly. He was a generous man and always made sure there were Christmas presents each year for his nieces and nephews from Uncle John. Surviving are his brother, Roger (Charlotte) Wayne, and his sister, Beverly (Larry) Janssen. John was preceded in death by his brothers, Gene and Ronald, and his sister, Marilyn Gemmell. A private Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at St. Joseph Church on August 2. Interment was held in Mt. Olivet Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Joseph Church.