Obituary: Wayne Stirnaman

Sergeant Major Wayne E. Stirnaman, 67, passed away the evening of Jan. 23, 2016, surrounded by the love of his family and friends at The Marley House in Prescott. Wayne was born in Ruma, Illinois, in November of 1948. From the one-room elementary school at St. Patrick's, to two years at the Oblate Seminary, followed by two years at Red Bud High School, Wayne enlisted in the Unites States Marine Corps and the real adventure began. After recruit training, he immediately saw action in Vietnam as a combat engineer. He again saw action during the Gulf War, where he served as the senior enlisted Marine for a Marine Air Group. He served in numerous posts and stations throughout his distinguished 30-year career. Wayne was the recipient of the Bronze Star, Purple Heart and Meritorious Service Medal in addition to many service, expeditionary and campaign awards. Wayne was one of the youngest Marines selected for Sergeant Major and had been considered for the post of Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps prior to his retirement in 1996.

Upon his retirement, he made his home in Arizona - (they were heading to Jerome initially, but didn't get there until six years later) - settling in Prescott. He was employed by The Yavapai-Prescott Indian Tribe as their Office Administrator, remaining there until November of 2015. He loved his job and his many friends on the staff and in the Tribe.

Wayne is survived by his beloved wife, Donna, of Prescott; his son, Scott (Sonya) Stirnaman, of Chester, Illinois; his daughter, Crysti Rose, of Gilbert, Arizona; his son-in-law, Patrick Whitaker, of Gilbert, Arizona; his son, Walker Rose (Lisa) of Alvin, Texas; brothers-in-law Joe Owen of Prescott and Jim Owen of Crestview, California; sister-in-law Debra Owen of Prescott; brother Bruce Stirnaman of Illinois; sisters Doris Neff and Zelina Niehaus, both of Illinois; numerous grandchildren and relatives; his beloved dogs, many fish left un-caught; a beautiful yard and garden - and a whole group of dear friends.

Wayne was predeceased by his parents, Cortland and Phyllis Stirnaman, of Illinois; his mother-in-law, Jeanette (Meme) Elmquist of Prescott; and fathers-in-law Gordon Elmquist of Oceanside, California, and Albert James Owen of Pottsville, Arkansas.

President Reagan said it best:

"Some people spend a lifetime wondering if they have made a difference; Marines don't have that problem."

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Wayne's honor to The Mayo Clinic of Arizona, Dr. Kelly K. Curtis' Cancer Research Program, 13400 Shea Blvd., Scottsdale, AZ 85259, whom they are eternally grateful to for providing 5 ½ years of quality life for Wayne.

Private services to be held at a later date.

His family entrusted Arizona Ruffner Wakelin Funeral Home of Prescott to assist them with final arrangements.

Information provided by his family.