Wayne E Walcher
Walcher, Wayne E., 96, retired independent oil gas producer/operator died Wed., July 13, 2011. Memorial service will 2:00 p.m., Friday, July 22, at Plymouth Congregational Church, 1st Clifton streets, Wichita, KS. Wayne was born in a farm home in Sumner County, KS. His parents were George Bessie Walcher. He attended a country school, graduated from Wellington High School, and graduated from Wichita University with a B.S. degree in geology. He worked his way through college during the economic depression years in Wichita by carrying a large newspaper route and working part time for Gulf Oil Co. In June 1941, he graduated from University of Illinois with a M.S. degree in geology. He was a petroleum geologist for Gulf Oil Co., Lario Oil Co., and J. M. Huber Corp. before becoming an independent consulting geologist in Wichita in 1949. In recent years he and his son, Doug, an engineer, have worked together operating oil gas producing leases in Kansas. Wayne served a term as vice president of the Kansas Geological Society, and was a member for over 50 years. He held membership for more than 60 years in the American Association of Petroleum Geologists. He served on the national board of the Society of Independent Professional Earth Scientists. He and his wife, Jewell, have been members of Plymouth Congregational Church for over 50 years. Wayne was preceded in death by two brothers and two sisters. Survivors include: loving wife for 70 years, Jewell; son, Douglas A. Walcher (Patricia) of Andover, KS; daughter, Debra L. Hoyle (Greg) of Bellevue, WA; granddaughters, Kathryn Koch (Jeff) of McLouth, KS, and Julie Ramsey (Jim) of Scott City, KS; grandsons, Brian Phillips (Brittani) of Charlotte, NC, and Todd Phillips of Berkley, CA; four great grandchildren, several nieces, nephews and cousins. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to: Plymouth Congregational Church, 202 N. Clifton Ave., Wichita, KS 67208; Kansas Geological Foundation, 212 N. Market, Ste. 100, Wichita, KS 67202; and Larksfield Health Care Center, 2828 N. Governeour, Wichita, KS 67226. Tributes may be sent to the family via www.dlwichita.com Downing Lahey East Chapel.
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I wanted to share with the family my thoughts on Uncle Wayne. First of all, I appreciated knowing him and have a treasure trove of memories about his long-time house with Aunt Jewell in Wichita. Chinese checkers in the basement, dog runs in the back, to listening to stories he told. I will never forget the courtesy he extended to me to work for him the summer I turned 16. I spent 5 or so weeks in Pratt working with Harley on fixing up the oil wells and tank batteries for a variety of wells and facilities owned and operated by Wayne. This opportunity offered me a chance to grow in ways I would not have otherwise. I rented a room and essentially lived on my own, doing whatever I wanted to. What a wonderful opportunity. Thank you Uncle Wayne! You will be missed by many. May you rest in peace.
Jewell, Doug, Debbie, and Pat, Our love, thoughts, and prayers go out to you at this time. How can one even start to give a tribute to a man known for sixty plus years? To do so is next to impossible. To do so adequately is impossible. So Ill just say that Wayne was the ultimate professional, an excellent father figure, a loyal friend, and man with genuine integrity. He will be missed.
To Jewell, Doug and other member’s of Wayne’s family — What a wonderful man Wayne was — a great friend of my parents (Bob and Mary White) and always a kind gentleman to me and my family. He will be missed. Love and condolences to you all.