Wayne Gleason, born to Elsie and Harry Gleason on Aug. 28, 1944, in Bellingham, Washington, and whose life journey stretched from the farmlands of the Chehalis Valley to service for his fellow veterans and farmers and a deep connection to his community, died on April 4, 2025, in Aberdeen, Washington, after an extended and stubbornly resisted decline in his health.
Wayne is survived by his brother, Gary Gleason, and sister-in-law, Karen; his nephew, Brian Gleason, and Brian’s wife, Nicky; great-nephew, Connor; his nephew, David Gleason; and great-niece, Monique Dudley; his dear friend, Darlene Powers; as well as numerous friends, cousins and their families.
He attended public school in Chehalis, graduating in 1962 from W.F. West High School. He went on to attend Centralia Community College and Washington State University, receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in agricultural science in 1966.
For much of his adult life, he was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Though his nephews liked to call him "Elder Wayne," he consistently downplayed any sense of formality, preferring to be seen as a brother among his friends, family and fellow church members.
There will be an opportunity to bid Wayne goodbye on Saturday, April 26, from noon to 2 p.m. in the chapel at Newell-Hoerling’s Mortuary, located at 205 W. Pine St. in Centralia. A short service will be held and the opportunity for friends and family to relate memories of their time with Wayne. If you are unable to attend, Newell-Hoerling is maintaining a memorial website where you can send condolences, share memories and upload pictures.
To those moved to send gifts, Wayne had a clear preference to have donations made to charity in his name. It particularly pleased him to have livestock sponsored in his name via Heifer International.
