Wayne H. Compton

Wayne H. Compton, 95, of Van Wert, passed away at 7 p.m. Saturday, June 25, 2016, surrounded by his family at Vancrest Health Care Center in Van Wert.

He was born June 17, 1921, in Haviland, the son of H.E. and Iris (Miller) Compton, who both preceded him in death. On November 24, 1942, he married Mary (Horine) Compton, who survives.

Wayne and Mary had three children: Tom (Cheryl) Compton of Cincinnati, and Kay (Roger) Okuley and Ned (Cindy) Compton, both of Van Wert. They had nine grandchildren: Trent (Shannon) Compton and Kelly (Chris) Beatty, both of Cincinnati, Claire (John) Miller of Louisville, Kentucky, Carrie (Jim) Geers of Lebanon, Laine (Adrian) Gutierrez of Gastonia, North Carolina, Neil (Abbey) Okuley of Chicago, Illinois, Luke (Debby) Compton and Cory (Ashley) Compton, both of Van Wert, and Jane (Ben) Greve of Kettlersville.

They were also blessed with 21 great-grandchildren.

Those passing before Wayne included a great-grandchild, Will Compton.

Wayne was a member of First United Methodist Church in Van Wert, Van Wert Rotary Club, Van Wert Masonic Lodge, and American Legion Post 178 in Van Wert.

After attending Giffin College and Findlay College, Wayne entered the Unites States Army and served in World War II. He received his fighter pilot certification and then served as an infantryman in Europe. He was awarded the Bronze Star medal.

Upon returning from the war, Wayne began his professional life as a builder. He started as a carpenter for a Lima construction company, while, at the same time, he built houses at night in Van Wert. This enabled him to start his own construction company, Brown and Compton Builders, with partner Gus Brown. Years later, he established Compton Construction Inc. Wayne was in the building business for more than 50 years. After his retirement, Wayne was instrumental in helping with 10 Habitat for Humanity houses, along with many other community projects.

Wayne’s greatest loves were the Lord, his church, his loving wife of 73 years (Mary), his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and friends. Family and friends all enjoyed Wayne’s loving kindness and wonderful sense of humor.

Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Thursday, June 30, at First United Methodist Church, with the Revs. Gus Christo-Baker and Paul W. Miller officiating.

Visitation is from 3-7 p.m. Wednesday, June 29, at Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home & Crematory in Van Wert.

Preferred memorials: First United Methodist Church in Van Wert.

Condolences may be expressed at www.alspachgearhart.com.