Wayne Loney

Larger than life. Gentle giant. Servant-hearted. Proud father and grandfather. Friend to many.

Wayne Herman Loney entered heaven on April 24, 2025, lovingly surrounded by his children and grandchildren.

Wayne was born in Dawson, Minnesota, the eldest of five children to Ralph Herman Loney and Alberta Joanna (Tabelman) Loney. He cherished his role as big brother to Janet, Scott, and Roger and shared an especially close bond with his brother, Glenn, just 13 months younger—together, they were often seen as inseparable.

As an "Army brat," Wayne lived in several states and traveled the world, spending formative years in Alaska, Japan, and Germany. While attending Augsburg American High School in Germany, he excelled in football, wrestling, and shot put, and made his acting debut as Jud Fry in Oklahoma! Wayne later graduated from Berkeley High School in Berkeley, Michigan, with the Class of 1964.

In 1966, Wayne married Donna Jean Steele, and together they welcomed Donna Michelle Loney and Stephen Wayne Loney into the world.

Answering the call to serve, Wayne became a police officer with the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety, a role he held proudly from January 9, 1967, until his retirement on August 5, 1999. He valued the deep camaraderie he shared with his fellow officers and often told stories of their shared experiences. After cross-training as a firefighter, Wayne found joy in teaching fire safety to young children at elementary schools and preschools. Even after retirement, he continued gathering annually with his brothers in blue to maintain their qualifications and lifelong friendships over breakfast.

On July 12, 1981, Wayne married Ardis Jean Pierce and lovingly helped raise her daughter, Elizabeth, later adopting her as his own. Wayne and Ardis spent many wonderful years working side by side in various roles, culminating in their retirement with Wayne as sergeant and Ardis as his lieutenant—a detail they both loved to share.

Wayne lived a life of service beyond his career. After beating cancer, he became a devoted volunteer for the West Michigan Cancer Center, driving patients to and from appointments and greeting visitors every Monday for many years. He also served as a poll worker, assisted in genealogy research at the clerk’s office, and taught genealogy classes, helping countless individuals discover their family histories. His own passion for genealogy took him to Germany, Ireland, Norway, Scotland, Hawaii, and Alaska in search of records, roots, and stories.

Wayne was a long-time member of Parchment United Methodist Church, where he sang in the choir and often narrated cantatas. Recently, he found a new church family at Gull Lake United Methodist Church, where he was warmly welcomed.

Known for his many talents, Wayne surprised many with his beautiful cross-stitch samplers featuring family trees, and he proudly taught his daughters to cross-stitch. He loved crossword and sudoku puzzles, reading, cooking (often taking culinary classes and trying new restaurants), and watching old westerns and police shows. Wayne was a master storyteller, famous for his vivid descriptions and well-loved rabbit trails.

Above all, Wayne was fiercely proud of his three children, six grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. He was their biggest supporter, rarely missing an event and always cherishing time spent together.

Wayne was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Alberta Loney; his brother, Glenn E. Loney; and his wife, Ardis J. Pierce.

He is survived by his daughter, Michelle (Bob) Baird; son, Stephen (Mary) Loney; daughter, Elizabeth Loney; grandchildren, Katelyn (LJ Pavletic) Loney, Michael (Johanna) Baird, Megan (Matt Fulwider) Loney, Alexandra (Aaron) Herbert, Ryan (Kaleigh) Loney, and Lizzie Loney; and great-grandchildren, Norah Herbert, Brooks Loney, and Lincoln Loney. He also leaves behind his siblings, Janet Loney, Scott (Sarah) Loney, and Roger (Peggy) Loney, sister-in-law, Rosemary Loney, as well as many beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, May 3, 2025, at Gull Lake United Methodist Church, 8640 Gull Road, Richland, MI 49083. Visitation will take place from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., with the Celebration of Life Service beginning at 12:00 p.m., followed by a luncheon.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Kalamazoo Loaves & Fishes, 901 Portage Street, Kalamazoo, MI 49001, or to West Michigan Cancer Center, 200 N Park Street, Kalamazoo, MI 49007.

While at www.amsfuneralhomes.com please take time to sign Wayne’s guestbook and/or share a memory with his family.

The Loney family is being cared for by the Avink, McCowen & Secord Funeral Homes and Cremation Society, 129 South Grand Street, Schoolcraft, MI 49087. 269-679-5622.