Born June 11, 1948, in Topeka, Kansas to Dr. Harold Wayne Powers and Ruth Nelson Powers.
Wayne (also known as “Butch”) attended Topeka West High School, then the University of Kansas, where he was a member of Delta Tau Delta fraternity. He earned a law degree at the Washburn University School of Law. Wayne was a partner at the law firm Wallace Saunders where he spent his entire career from 1974 until his retirement in 2004. His friendships there were an important part of his time at the firm.
Wayne’s retirement was brought about by the diagnosis of a rare blood cancer. In 2011, he received a bone marrow transplant. He recovered to enjoy cherished experiences with family and friends. Later, he became a devoted volunteer with the University of Kansas Cancer Center, where he was part of their mentorship program for other bone marrow transplant candidates and recipients. The family wishes to thank the doctors, nurses, and staff at the University of Kansas Blood & Marrow Transplant clinic.
He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Jerre Dunaway Powers, and his daughter, Ashley Daly (Patrick). He is also survived by three wonderful grandchildren, Lucy, Patrick, and George.
Wayne had definite loves: family, friends, church, golf, and Jayhawk basketball. His steadfast love of the Lord has been his anchor. Beginning in the mid-1970s, Wayne has been a devoted member of Hillcrest Covenant Church, which sustained his faith over the course of his life.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Hillcrest Covenant Church (hillcrestcov.org) or the Blood & Marrow Transplant Fund at the University of Kansas Health System. (kansashealthsystem.com/giving/donate).
A private service was held on January 7, 2021, due to coronavirus restrictions. Interment will be at Resurrection Cemetery in Lenexa, Kansas.