Wayne Edward Cravens

Wayne Edward Cravens, 77, of Manhattan, Kansas, died Friday March 29, 2024, at Via Christi Hospital in Manhattan.  He was a long-time resident of the area.

Wayne was born February 15, 1947, in Manhattan, the son of Roy and Vera (Perrill) Cravens. He attended grade school and graduated in 1965 from Manhattan High School.  He received an associate degree in Auto Mechanics from Manhattan Technical College and also attended Pittsburg State University, where he studied education. Wayne served in the United State Marine Corps.  He was stationed in Vietnam during the war.

Wayne worked for the Pottawatomie County Road and Bridge Department.  He operated most pieces of heavy equipment, but mostly drove a grader.  Prior to the county, Wayne worked for several different companies, Rex’s Tire, the Mobile Gas Station in Manhattan and Klepper Oil.  He did a variety of mechanical work, including engine overhauls.  He also owned and operated Kansas Road Runner Trucking.

Wayne was a life member of the of the American Legion and the VFW.  

Wayne had a love for working the land, especially baling hay. He had a love for horses that he was able to pass down through the generations.  Wayne did have a passion for online auctions and visiting and drinking coffee with friends.

Wayne married Bonnie LaMar on June 8, 1968, in Westmoreland.  They shared over fifty-five years together.  Bonnie survives at their home.

Wayne is also survived by his children, Laurie Ann Rogers (Eric), Topeka, Nicole Murdock (Jason), Little Elm, Texas; his grandchildren, Chelsea Korgol (Tyler), Topeka, Thomas Colgrove, Cleveland, Ohio, Amber Lee, Washington State, Justin Murdock (Anique), Pocatello, Idaho,  Kyle Murdock, Idaho Falls, Idaho and Deborah Shaw, Topeka; his great-grandchildren, Zain, Alyson, Kaimen, Cameron, Tinsley, Aiden, Archer and Jaxon; and his siblings, Kenneth Cravens (Sandy) Manhattan, Janice Speckman, La Cruces, New Mexico, and Michael Cravens (Dani), Wamego; and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, some who called him Daddy Wayne. Wayne loved all of his family, his own and his bonus family equally, who will miss him greatly.

Wayne was preceded in death by his parents; and his sister, Verlee Darlene Fronce (Larry).

A Celebration of Life will be held at 1:00 pm, Wednesday, April 17, 2024, at Campanella and Stewart Funeral Home in Wamego.  The family will greet friends prior to the service beginning at 11:00 am.  They suggest memorial contributions to Ronald McDonald House Charities of NE Kansas, and those may be sent in care of the funeral home. Online condolences may be made at www.campanellastewart.com.

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