Wayne Richard Aylsworth Sr., 59, of Empire, passed away peacefully, with family members present after a prolonged illness on Thu, Jan 15, 2009.
Wayne was born Jul 15, 1949, in Frankfort, the son of Warren Richard and Aleta Mae (Hodge) Aylsworth.
In his youth, Wayne participated in and excelled in football, track and basketball at Papillion high School in Papillion, NE. Wayne wore #17 and was a star football player, setting school records for yardage and touchdowns. He graduated in 1968. Wayne was homecoming king, class president and won the best legs contest.
Wayne served his nation and traveled the world in the U.S. Air Force. Sgt. Aylsworth served in Vietnam as a loadmaster on a C-141 aircraft. One historic mission included transporting President Richard Nixon's limousine to a Russian Summit in Moscow.
Wayne worked as an independent truck driver prior to going to work for Elmer's.
His passion and work ethic inspired his sons to pursue their career paths in the boating and automotive industries. Wayne's experiences with his children and his love for them will remain with them throughout their lives.
He was also passionate about fishing. Wayne was presented a State of Michigan Master Angler Award for pulling in a Monster Trout on a #6 line.
Wayne was always surrounded by friends. He loved and lived life, and shared that love with his children. His boys remember Wayne racing cars on quarter-mile asphalt tracks at Galesburg Speedway, camping and learning to fish. He was always competitive, always living life to the fullest.
Wayne is survived by his two sons, Lance (Traci) Aylsworth of Maple City and Wayne "Soni" (April) Aylsworth Jr. of Empire; sisters, Barbara K (Erik) Foged of Empire and Sue E. (Bob) Palmer of Springfield, NE; brother, Alonzo C (Deborah) Aylsworth of Wildwood, MO; and three grandchildren, Alexandra, Michael, and Alexis.
He was preceded in death by his father, Col. Warren Aylsworth.
Visitation will be held today, Jan 18, from 6 to 8 pm, at the Empire United Methodist Church. The funeral service will be held Monday, Jan 19, at 11 am, also at the church. Burial will be at Empire Maple Grove Cemetery in the spring. The Rev. Brenda E. Gordon will officiate.
Memorials may be directed to Empire United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 261 Empire, MI 49630 or Empire Lions Club, 11234 LaCore Rd, Empire, MI 49630.
Arrangements are with the Martinson Funeral Home of Suttons Bay.