Wayne Laudwig, along with his wife, Gwen Laudwig, died tragically in an automobile accident on October 23 in Kirksville, MO.

Wayne was born in 1933 and lived nearly his entire life at the farm on which he was born. From 1951 until 2013 he was proud to farm the land that had been in his family since 1903. He raised both livestock and crops and was recently described by a close friend as “a farmer’s farmer.” Those that knew him also knew that any tractor on the farm had to be International Harvester red. No green tractors allowed.

He was married in 1953 to the former Edwina Rinehart and from this marriage came three children; Christy, Steve and Frank. He married Gwen Adams Ludwick in 1986, who he remained married to until his death.

Wayne served in the Missouri National Guard from 1952 – 1958 and was honorably discharged at the rank of Sergeant from the 35th Recon.

He was a 1951 graduate of Kirksville High School and a member of the undefeated 1950 football team, which was coached by John Spainhower. He was incredibly proud of the accomplishments of that team and it was a frequent source of debate with his son as to whether the 1950 team or the 1980 KHS squad was really the better team. If needed, he’d reference “leather helmets” to prove his point.

Wayne was a patient man with his own unique sense of humor. Honestly, integrity and work ethic were some of the traits that he exhibited. He believed in hard work and recognized it in others. “A little hard work never hurt anybody”, he would say.

His children, grandchildren and great-granddaughters were a source of pride for him and he delighted in sharing details of happenings in their lives with friends and other family members.

Wayne is survived by 3 children, Christy Nyquist (Steve) of Lee's Summit, MO, Steven Laudwig (Susan) of Osage Beach, MO, and Frank Laudwig of Highland Village, TX; 7 grandchildren, Megan Morrow, Nicole Lesani, Laura Nyquist, Ryan Laudwig, Sydney Laudwig, Jessica Laudwig and Ainsley Cusick; 2 great grandchildren, Harper Morrow and Corinne Lesani; 2 sisters, Evelyn Schooley (Kenneth) of Seattle, WA and Connie Fountain (Herman Jr.) of Kirksville, MO. Also surviving are Gwen's children, Lori (Matt) of Novelty, MO and Darin Ludwick or Arbela, MO; 2 grandchildren, Alaina (Chris) Niedbalski and Pashia Ludwick; and one great grandchild, Daxton Niedbalski.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am, Saturday, October 28, 2017 at Travis-Noe Funeral Home with Pastor Bud Cornwell presiding. Interment will follow the service at Greentop Cemetary, Greentop, MO. Public visitation will be held at Travis-Noe Funeral Home on Friday, October 27 from 6:00 - 8:00 pm.

The family requests expressions of sympathy be made to the Queen City Christian Church. Memorials may be left at or mailed to Travis-Noe Funeral Home, P.O. Box 306, Kirksville, MO 63501.