Wayne Flowerday

DERBY – Wayne L. Flowerday, 82, retired Boeing electrical engineer, passed away peacefully Wed, Apr 24, 2019 in Derby, KS. Visitation & Viewing 4pm-8pm Sun, Apr 28,2019 at Smith Mortuary in Derby. Funeral Service 10am Mon, Apr 29, 2019 at South Rock Christian Church, Derby.

Wayne was born June 28, 1936 in Lincoln, NE to the late Edwin and Olga (Bunda) Flowerday. He spent most of his youth growing up in Hastings, NE, then attending Hastings College. While studying there for 2 years, he met the love of his life, Janet Hartmann. He then transferred to the University of Nebraska the following two years, completing his Electrical Engineering degree in Dec 1958. He began working for Boeing Wichita in Jan 1959. Immediately following Jan’s graduation from Hastings College, they were married on June 5, 1959 in Sidney, NE, then moved to Wichita, KS to begin their life together.

In 1962, Wayne was transferred with Boeing to Huntsville, AL to be actively involved with the many space exploration missions that would take place through the years. He was one of the main electrical engineers who designed the electrical wiring system for the Lunar Rover, the first “moon car.” In July 1969, Wayne had to miss a family reunion to stay behind for work because he was involved with the spacecraft electronics during the first moon walk. Wayne also worked many hours helping to bring the stranded Apollo 13 astronauts home. As the space program wound down, Wayne transferred with Boeing back to Wichita, KS in 1978, and worked there until his retirement in 1995.

Wayne was an active member of the Lions Club for 44 years, holding many official positions in the Derby Lions Club, including being elected the District Governor for KS. One fun tidbit that many didn’t know, is Wayne attended the Missouri Auction School in KC, MO, becoming a licensed auctioneer and Real Estate Broker in the mid 1970’s. He worked many weekends in Alabama as an auctioneer, just for fun!

In 2003, Wayne lost his beloved wife, Jan, to cancer, and afterwards filled his time with the enjoyment of mentoring and being involved with his four grandchildren. Wayne found love, once again, in 2004 after meeting his very special companion, Mary Mauser, at a survivor’s grief group. He enjoyed, very much, their companionship and special times together.

Wayne is survived by daughters, Karen Morrow (Mike), Derby, KS, and Kristi Flowerday (Jim Sims), Savannah, GA, Grandchildren, Justin D Morrow, Derby, KS, Jana Scripp (Brad), Edmond, OK, Jared Morrow (Kaci), Providence Village, TX, and Jeffrey Morrow, Derby, KS, Great-Granddaughters Rosie Morrow and Adalyn Scripp, Great-Grandson Baby Morrow is due in August, Special Companion, Mary Mouser, Mulvane, KS, Sister, Edis Risser (Larry), Minneapolis, MN, Brother-in-law, Arlan Hartmann, Plattsmouth, NE, and three nieces and their families.