Obituary of Wayne O. Atwell

Dansville – Wayne O. Atwell, 83 years of age, passed away early Sunday morning May 13, 2018, at the Bath Veterans Administration Medical Center.

Wayne was born September 24, 1934 in Andover, NY, the son of the late Earl and Gertrude (Jackson) Atwell.  He was a graduate of Andover Central School and Brockport College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in physical education.  While at Brockport, Wayne was a participant of the ROTC program and a member of the 1955 National Championship soccer team.  He lettered in soccer, track and was co-captain of the track team. 

Subsequent to his graduation at Brockport Wayne served his country in the United States Marine Corps from June 16, 1956 until his active duty honorable discharge June 1, 1958. Wayne then continued with the Marine Corps Reserve until his honorable discharge from reserve duty in May of 1970.  Wayne and Beverly Jerome were married June 2, 1956 in Dansville. Together they celebrated over 56 years of marriage prior to Beverly passing away Feb. 8, 2013. 

Wayne’s employment career spanned a few different areas that included; a physical education teacher and coach at Bolivar and Whitesville Central School; became a NYS Trooper serving in the Southern Tier Area; was employed at the former Foster Wheeler Energy Corporation as a foreman; and finally worked for Burns Security in Philadelphia, Boston and Rochester as a branch manager.   Wayne was a 64 year member and past commander of the Daniel Goho American Legion Post #87; a member and past commander of Livingston County 40 & 8; and a member of James H. Jackson Hose Fire Company.  He also served on the annual Dogwood Festival committee as a parade marshal.  Wayne was an avid soccer and sports fan.  He loved the Dallas Cowboys; Notre Dame Football; and especially the St. Louis Cardinals.  Wayne had a special love for his grandchildren and great-grandchildren and will be dearly missed by all. 

Wayne was pre-deceased by his parents; his wife, Beverly Atwell; an infant son, James Robert Atwell; sister Doris Breiding; brother Ronald Atwell.  He is survived by his children, David (Tammy) Atwell of Arlington, TX, Douglas Atwell of Dansville, Christine (Gregory) Horr of Dansville, Stephen (Kathleen) Atwell of Rotterdam, NY; his grandchildren, Ryan, Heather, Austin and Haley Atwell, Brittany, Kaitlin and Tyler Horr, Jonathan, Seth, Justin and Zachary Atwell; 6 great-grandchildren; his brother Carl Atwell of Springfield, MO; his brother-in-law Thomas Jerome of Hornell; his sister-in-law Judy Jerome of Wayland; along with several nieces, nephews and cousins. 

Wayne’s family and friends are invited to call on Wednesday May 16 from 11am – 1pm at the St. George-Stanton Funeral Home, 109 West Naples St., Wayland.  His funeral service will be at 1pm Wednesday following calling hours at the funeral home.  Reverend David Hotchkiss will officiate.  Committal prayers, military honors and interment will take place immediately following at Greenmount Cemetery.  Contributions in memory of Wayne O. Atwell may be made to Bath VA Patients Activity Fund, 76 Veterans Ave., Bath, NY 14810. 

A special thank you to the exceptional staff and caregivers at the Bath VA Medical Center where Wayne was a resident for the past 5 years.  Please visit www.stgeorgefuneralhome.com for online condolences.