Wayne A. Lanphear
January 26, 1934 - December 20, 2015
Obituary
MADISON-Wayne A. Lanphear, age 81, of Madison, passed away on Sunday, Dec. 20, 2015, at Agrace HospiceCare, Fitchburg. He was born on Jan. 26, 1934, in Watkins Glen, N.Y., the son of Alden and Margaret (Tinker) Lanphear. He was united in marriage to Miyoko Sasaki on Dec. 16, 1958, in Tokyo, Japan and she preceded him in death on Nov. 21, 2005. He then married Marjorie R. Smith on May 7, 2008, in Mauston. Since childhood, Wayne had a passion for airplanes. He received his first pilot license at the age of 16. In 1951, he graduated from Northside High School in Corning, N.Y. Wayne joined ROTC in college and in 1954, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force when he was accepted into Aviation Cadet training for pilot training. He was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in May 1955. Wayne completed his Bachelor of Science degree in Airport Management in 1975. He served 31 years as a fighter pilot. Wayne completed two tours in Vietnam and also participated in the Skoshi Tiger F-5 test project. His awards include the Air Force Commendation medal, Distinguished Flying Cross, the Bronze Star, two Meritorious Service medals, 13 Air Medals, Vietnam Service Medal, six Air Force Outstanding Unit with Valor awards, among others. After retiring from the Air Force as a full colonel in 1985, Wayne worked for the State of Wisconsin as a pilot and Chief of Aviation. He retired from that position in 1994. Wayne was an active member of the Madison Area Radio Control Society (MARCs). He enjoyed flying model airplanes, watching auto racing and football, travelling, and being in nature. Wayne will be deeply missed by his family and friends. He is survived by his wife, Marjorie; daughters, Carol (James) Lanphear-Cook, Ann (Clay) Mills and Nancy (Brian) Withrow; grandchildren, Josh Withrow, Austin and Cassie Mills; great-grandson, Todd Mills; step-sons, Michael (Ellen) Smith, Jeff Smith (Kathy Heller) and Debra (Harold) McConnell; and other relatives and friends. In addition to his first wife; he was preceded in death by his parents; and infant son, John. A funeral service will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME 5203 Monona Dr., Madison, at 11 a.m., on Wednesday, Dec. 30, 2015, with Chaplain Steve Zwettler presiding. Burial with full military rites will be held at Highland Memory Gardens. A visitation will be at the funeral home from 9 a.m. until the time of the service on Wednesday. The family would like to thank Dr. Levine (Meriter Hospital), Wildwood Clinic, St. Mary's Hospital 7th floor nursing staff, and Agrace HospiceCare for their support and care. Memorials welcome to Disabled Vets of America or St. Stephen's Lutheran Church Food Pantry. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608)221-5420
Events
Visitation
Wed Dec 30, 2015 @ 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM CDT
Gunderson Funeral and Cremation Care - Madison • 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, WI 53716
Service
Wed Dec 30, 2015 @ 11:00 AM CDT
Gunderson Funeral and Cremation Care - Madison • 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, WI 53716
Photos
No photos of Wayne have been shared yet.
Memories
DM
Debra McConnell
Other •
Wayne and Jacob Smith ( Wayne's step great grandson) share a birthday. A couple of years ago when Jacob was three we said its Waynes birthday too do you know how old wayne is? He replied he is four!!! Wayne loved that...... We love you and miss you!!! R.I.P
CB
Calvin S. Bruce
Other •
I was Wayne's doc for many years, until I retired in 2014. It was always an honor and good challenge to take care of him. He never let me (or, I would guess, anyone else) get away with being sloppy or not trying to do my best. For a hard-nosed military guy, he had really thoughtful views on politics and life in general. He certainly had his share of heartaches and showed me how someone can get through those things and go on to live a productive life. My best wishes to his family. A great heart has died. Cal Bruce
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David Rush
Other •
I will always have fond memories of Wayne. When I became a member of the MARCS club and was learning how to fly, he was always very encouraging and helped me test fly many of my new airplanes. I think his favorite plane he got to test fly was my little foamy Corsair! Mostly because he couldn't believe how well it flew. I so enjoyed the stories he shared from when he was in the service, and especially how his eyes would light up when he talked about the different jets he piloted! He was a great mentor as president of the club and someone who was always willing to help you out with a plane. I have great memories of Wayne and me helping test fly Harley Nelson's planes. It was always a standing joke as to which one of us could keep the plane in the air in the longest! I will greatly miss him and always treasure my memories of him! Dave Rush, MARCS President
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scott nelson
Other •
Wayne will be so very misses. I knew Wayne thru my father Harley Nelson, My name is Scott. I remember flying next to Wayne and having him teach me my first snap-roll, I stress the plane to the max, but that is the Wayne would fly. I had the privilege of having Wayne come out the Washington and visit for a weekend, I took him out to our air field and fly, he was overwhelmed by the beauty. So much so that he forgot to check his ailerons.... but haven"t we all. Wayne you are a great man, miss you much. AIM HIGH. Scott Nelson Air Force 1988-1992
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Victor Vizcarra
Other •
I was honored to have served with Wayne in the service of our country. He was six years senior to me in the Air Force and I always looked up to him as an example of the kind of officer I wanted to be. He was a great fighter pilot and officer and a loving family man. He has "slipped the surly bonds of earth.... " now flys higher than the eagle ....and has no need to reach out and touch the face of God....for he is with God.
LJ
Laurence Johnson
Other •
Wayne , I'm in "trail". So are many of our buddies that we flew with . We'll cover your "six". Got a "Tally"---12 o'clock high---just west of the setting sun . Don't have an"ETA" yet---minutes , hours , days , months , years ----but lead us "----to that better place where every things all right , where whiskey flows from telegraph poles play poker every night----"..Hope you have the cigars , I have the olives and yes---plenty of nickels for the grass . So RIP o'l buddy until the great reunion .
Missing you ,
"LF"