Wayne Eugene Willrath, age 72, of Celina, passed away at his residence.

He was born October 14, 1947, in Celina, to the late Edwin George Karl Willrath and Crystal Marie (Yaney) Willrath Heindel. Wayne and Marsha A. Colson were married on June 7, 1970, and she survives. Their only child, Karl A. Willrath, passed away on August 19, 2011.

Wayne is survived by Marsha's brothers & sisters: Gordon (Darcy) Colson of Canyon Lake, TX, Allan (Rose) Colson of Celina, Randy Colson of St. Marys, Diana (John) Chaffee of Salinas, CA, Sheri (John) Heeb of Celina, Robin (Mark) Gilstrap of Celina and many nieces and nephews. Also surviving are two cousins: Larry and Darrell Willrath, and many cousins on the Yaney side of the family.

He was preceded in death by his parents-in-law: Donald O. & Mary E. Colson and a sister-in-law, Jan Colson.

Wayne was a 1965 graduate of Parkway High School. He served 27 years in the Military and was a Veteran of theVietnam War. He served with the U.S. Army and later joined the U.S. Air Force Reserves in Ft. Wayne. During his military career he traveled extensively. Some of the many places he was stationed were: Germany, Africa, Maryland, Fort Knox, and Washington State.

After his military service, Wayne worked at the Fremont Company in Rockford. He was a life member of V.F.W. Post #5713 and attended Grace Missionary Church in Celina. Wayne enjoyed hunting rabbits and deer and liked to watch wrestling and NASCAR racing. He was an avid military historian, and particularly enjoyed researching the Vietnam War and World War II.

Memorial Services will be held at a later date. Burial will take place at Buck Cemetery, near Celina.

Memorial Contributions may be made to the charity of the donor's choice.

Online condolences and messages may be expressed to Wayne's family at dickandsonshellwarthfh.com. Arrangements are being handled by W.H. Dick & Sons-Hellwarth Funeral Home, Celina.