Wayne Elton Erbe, 73, a resident of Thayer, died on Saturday, Nov. 3, 2012 at Neosho Memorial Hospital in Chanute. Wayne was born on Jan. 9, 1939 in Thayer the son of Victor and Mary Rouse Erbe.

After high school, Wayne married Charlotte Lucille Hayden in Nevada, Mo. Wayne and Charlotte were married for 54 years, until his death.

Wayne worked at Lafarge in Fredonia as an equipment operator for 46 years. Wayne was a member of the Thayer Christian Church. When not working at Lafarge, Wayne farmed, he enjoyed riding his 4-wheelers to check on his crops and livestock. In his spare time, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, watching hummingbirds, and auto mechanics.

Survivors including his wife Charlotte are two sons, Dale Erbe and wife, LaDonna, of Independence, Steve Erbe and wife, Sandy, of Thayer; daughters Charletta and husband, Roy Gustin, of Fredonia, Carolyn Anderson of Fredonia, Wanda Erbe of LaFonntaine; foster child, Susie Moore and husband, Keith, of Tahlequah, Okla.; a brother, Allen Erbe of Thayer; a sister, Ruth Ann Linville of Chapman; 11 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews

Wayne was preceded in death by his parents, and twin brother Dwayne Erbe

Graveside service will be Wednesday, Nov. 7 at 10:30 a.m. at the Harrison Cemetery near Thayer with Myron Stover officiating. Visitation will be today from 4-7 p.m. with the family receiving friends from 5-7 at the funeral home. The family has suggested memorials to either the American Heart Association or the American Cancer Society and may be left with Countryside Funeral Home, 420 S. 20th St., P.O. Box 247, Fredonia, KS 66736. Online condolences may be left at: www.countrysidefh.com