WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
Wayne G. Hinkley, age 78, of Portage, and former longtime resident of Sturgis, passed away Monday afternoon, December 4, 2023 at his home.
He was born October 4, 1945 in Miami, Florida son of the late Frank and Thelma (Snell) Hinkley, Jr.
Wayne resided in Portage since 2020 coming from Sturgis. His early life was lived in Colon where he was a graduate of Colon High School with the class of 1963. He later furthered his education at Davenport College where he earned an Associate Degree in Business. He and his daughter Kelli crossed the graduation stage together, she earning her degree in Business as well.
On June 17, 1968 he married Tandra McLauchlin in Sturgis.
Wayne retired from the City of Sturgis Fire Department following 29 years of dedicated service. At the time of his retirement he held the position of Assistant Fire Chief. While with the fire department he worked part time for Midwest Tool & Cutlery for several years.
Wayne was proud to have served his country in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War earning the rank of SP-4. He was awarded the Korea Defense Service Medal after spending one year in Korea.
He held Life Memberships in the West Michigan Association of Fire Chiefs, Captain John J. Kelley Post #1355 VFW and Neuman-Wenzel Post #73 American Legion. In his younger years he enjoyed bowling and playing softball and golf. Wayne was a true avid and loyal fan of the Detroit Tigers, Lions, and Red Wings.
Wayne is survived by his loving and dedicated wife of 55 years: Tandra; daughter: Kelli (Ken) Eaton of Portage; grandson: Darien Hinkley of Portage; step-grandchildren: Steven Judd of Kalamazoo and Jessica Judd of Elkhart, Indiana; sister: Sharon (Gerald) Smith of Bronson; sister-in-law: Cathy Hinkley of Colon and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his son: David W. Hinkley, August 14, 2017, parents and brother: Mike Hinkley.
In accordance with his wishes cremation has taken place. The family will receive friends from 2:00 to 5:00 P.M. Sunday, Dec. 10th at the Hackman Chapel of Hackman Family Funeral Homes, 114 S. Nottawa St. in Sturgis where a memorial service celebrating the life of Wayne G. Hinkley will take place at 11:00 A.M. Monday, Dec. 11th. Pastor Joshua Herrema, chaplain of the Sturgis Fired Department will officiate. Private burial of the remains will take place at Oak Lawn Cemetery in Sturgis where full military honors will be conferred by Captain John J. Kelley Post #1355 VFW and the U.S. Army Honor Guard.
The family suggests those wishing to make a memorial donation in Mr. Hinkley’s memory consider the Talons Out Michigan Honor Flight, PO Box 280, Portage, MI 49081 or Centrica Care Navigators Hospice, 7100 Stadium Dr., Kalamazoo, MI 49009.
We encourage relatives and friends to share memories and condolences at www.hackmanfamilyfuneralhomes.com.
