Wayne DeMint, Sr.

Wayne DeMint, Sr., age 79, of California passed away Thursday, September 9, 2021 at his home.

It was a hot summer day on July 7, 1942 when Robert Goode and Lena Virginia (Farris) DeMint welcomed their baby boy, Charles Wayne into their home in San Diego, California.

Wayne proudly served his country in the United States Navy during the Vietnam war and later joined the Army National Guard to continue serving his country. During his time in the Navy, he was aboard an aircraft carrier, the USS Bonhomme Richard out in the China Sea when a fellow sailor fell off the ship.  The sailor started to drown in the frigid water and Wayne didn’t hesitate to jump in saving the serviceman. Because of his outstanding courage he was presented a special award from the ship’s Captain that he still has to this day.

Wayne was always very proud that he taught himself how to swim in his younger years in Hardin, Missouri. Another big accomplishment for him was when he earned his Eagle Scout Award with the encouragement of his mother. He was a member of the Mic-O-Say Tribe in Osceola.

On September 11, 1960 he was united in marriage to Wanda June Comstock in Kansas City, beginning a new chapter in their lives.  They welcomed three children into their family, Tammy, Charles Jr., and Juliet.  Wanda preceded him in death on November 13, 2020.

Wayne started as a mail carrier and worked his way up to union shop steward to finally becoming postmaster of the Versailles, Boonville, and California Post Offices between 1993 and 1999.

Wayne liked to build and race what is now known as Sprint Cars with his father-in-law and brothers-in-law.

A person never saw Wayne without Wanda. They enjoyed doing everything together. They were charter members of the ARC which later became the Moniteau County Developmental Disability Services, which provided services to families with children who were mentally or physically disabled. Wayne was a member of the Jaycees in California and the Eagle’s Club in Jefferson City. Wayne was also a member of the Missouri River Model Train Club and the Knights of Columbus in California.

Left to carry on Wayne’s legacy is his son, Charles Wayne DeMint, Jr. of California; two daughters, Tammy Whitlow and husband Gary of Shawnee, Kansas and Julie Wingate and husband Jase of Centertown; one brother, Tom Oxley and wife Cathy of Olathe, Kansas; five grandchildren, Taylor Whitlow, Trevor Whitlow, Jesse Wingate, Camryn Wingate, and Morgan Wingate; along with nieces, nephews, and friends.

In addition to his wife, Wanda, and parents, he is preceded in death by four siblings, Kenny DeMint, Loren DeMint, Jerry Oxley, and Paula Sue Soldanels.

A visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 16, 2021 at the Annunciation Catholic Church in California, MO.

A second visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. with a Mass of Christian Burial being held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, September 17, 2021 at the church.  Burial will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday in the West Lawn Addition of the Versailles Cemetery with military honors.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the St. Jude’s Children Hospital.

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Visitation Annunciation Catholic Church Thursday, September 16, 2021 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM 310 Mill Street
California, MO 65018 Directions Visitation Annunciation Catholic Church Friday, September 17, 2021 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM 310 Mill Street
California, MO 65018 Directions Funeral Service Annunciation Catholic Church Friday, September 17, 2021 11:00 AM 310 Mill Street
California, MO 65018 Directions Graveside Service West Lawn Addition of Versailles Cemetery Friday, September 17, 2021 2:00 PM 403 Clay Road
Versailles, MO 65084 Directions