of Batesville, AR
November 13, 1935 - January 22, 2024
Wayne Williams Rumans, 88, of Batesville passed away Monday, January 22, 2024.
He was born November 13, 1935 in Versailles, Missouri to Joseph Franklin Rumans and Jessie Lucille (Williams) Rumans.
Wayne loved God and the church, worshipping at North Heights Church of Christ. He loved fishing, the Kansas City Chiefs, interacting with people, and watching his kids' and grandkids' many activities, including sporting events. He was a selfless, loving, gentle and kind man who has left a legacy of love and compassion. Even though he was born on an odd number, he preferred even numbers. He would only buy a car made in an even numbered year. If it wasn't a Ford, he probably wasn't going to buy it. He preferred Pepsi, would tolerate RC Cola, but don't bring him a Coke. He loved feeding dogs from the table, and would risk a reprimand from his daughter-in-law to do so.
Wayne graduated high school from Versailles High School in Versailles, Missouri in 1954. He then attended the University of Missouri where he ultimately earned a specialist degree in school administration. He would have gotten a PhD, but didn't want to do a dissertation. While an undergraduate at the University of Missouri, he was a member of ROTC. Wayne was a First Lieutenant in the U.S. Army after graduating college. He ultimately pursued education, and ended his career as a superintendent of Sheldon R8 School District in Sheldon, Missouri, where he served for 23 years.
Survivors include his wife, whom he married August 10, 1957, Leota (Nolte) Rumans of the home; two sons, Scott William Rumans (Carion) of Milo, Missouri and Dr. Todd Rumans (Laura) of Batesville, Arkansas; four grandchildren, Allison Hibbitts (Jared), Amy Drilling (Dustin), Zach Rumans (Layla), and Lainey Webb (Corley); eleven great-grandchildren, Jenna, Jacob, Dani, Alex, Hailey, Dillinger, Charlie, Greyson, Farrah, Wilder, and Smiley, as well as several nieces and nephews, cousins and friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Ben Rumans (Shirley); and two sisters, Anna Lee Wood (Paul) and Betty Whitsitt (John).
Pallbearers will be his grandchildren.
Funeral services will be Thursday, January 25, 2024 at 2:00pm at the North Heights Church of Christ with Dr. Edward Myers officiating.
Visitation will be held from 12:00pm until 2:00pm prior to the service.
Burial will be at Sheldon Cemetery in Sheldon, Missouri on Saturday, January 27, 2024. There will be a gathering at the cemetery pavilion at 1:00pm.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Paragould Children's Home, 5515 Walcott Rd, Paragould, AR 72450 or to Fairhaven Children's Home, 3132 N Fairhaven Loop, Strafford, MO 65757.
Leota,
I am so sorry for your loss. I have been trying to contact you for quite some time.
Please call me. 515-338-0143
We are thinking of Wayne tonight & how much we enjoyed being in Church with him & their whole Family. Wayne served as an Elder in the Church of Christ in Nevada. He was a very nice, caring & patient man. Always willing to help where needed. We are sending Prayers of Comfort for Leota & their loving Family.
Praying for you all
Much love
Holly Hastings and Peyton
Oh where to begin. The absolute best boss I ever had and an even better friend. My heart is broken right now, but knowing he's in heaven looking down with his ever watchful eye gives me comfort. Happy fishing WWR and give my dad a hug for me.
May the trucks in heaven always be big enough to pull that fishing boat of your dreams! Rest in peace friend and mentor, you will be missed by many.
I am so sorry for your loss. My mom and I were just talking about Mr Rumans a couple of weeks ago. He was always so pleasant and friendly. He was a staple in my school memories. So grateful he chose to make a career in education.
He was a great Superintendent and will be greatly missed by his friends and family.
Our prayers are with you at this time. May you take comfort in the knowledge that Wayne loved the Lord and is resting in his peace.
Wayne and Ralph were like two peas in a pod! We will miss him so much. We loved this family and pray for comfort for those remaining here without him! We look forward to being with him again. Hod help you through this trying time. Sincere sympathy from Ralph and Lucy Cross
I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with each of your families.
We are thinking of Wayne tonight & how much we enjoyed being in Church with him & their whole Family. Wayne served as an Elder in the Church of Christ in Nevada. He was a very nice, caring & patient man. Always willing to help where needed. We are sending Prayers of Comfort for Leota & their loving Family.
Sad to hear the news. He was my principal in grade school and I had my fair share of office visits with him. He was a great man and my prayers go out to his family!
Such a kind man. Loved talking about fishing with him. Uncle Wayne will be missed. Prayers ,hugs and love to all.
Jason, Julie, Connor and Cora Blakemore
Thinking of the family with deepest sympathy. Uncle Wayne was a kind gentle soul.
Dr. Todd and Laura I send my deepest condolences to you and all of your family.
May God cover you with comfort and peace.
We are thinking of Wayne tonight & how much we enjoyed being in Church with him & their whole Family. Wayne served as an Elder in the Church of Christ in Nevada. He was a very nice, caring & patient man. Always willing to help where needed. We are sending Prayers of Comfort for Leota & their loving Family.
PYAYERS FOR ALL THE FAMILY IN TIMES LIKE THIS WOUNT BE THERE IN PERSON BUT WILL BE THINKING ABOUT ALL OF YOU AND ATTENDING ANOTHER FUNERL HERE THURSDAY TOO
My prayers go out to all. He was a great man
Miss you so much already grandpa, thank you for the memories. Love you.