Wayne A. Lacher, 86, passed away on Friday, September 13, 2024, at Center for Hospice Raclin House, Mishawaka.
Born on October 23, 1937, in Plymouth, Indiana, he was the son of Wm. Russell and Lily C. (Johnson) Lacher. He attended Plymouth High School, graduating with the class of 1956. A dear friend would set Wayne and Joyce up on a double-blind date in 1957 and it was love at first sight. They were married on May 9, 1959, at Calvary Lutheran Church in Plymouth and shared 65 years of marriage together.
Wayne had a strong work ethic owning and operating Lacher Texaco Gas Station from 1959 to 1983 before going to work for Bomarko for 25 years, retiring in 2008. However, retirement didn’t slow him down as he continued to work for NAPA Auto Parts as a delivery driver.
He was known as the “instigator,” a man who enjoyed stirring the pot with a couple of words just to watch other’s reactions. Wayne was an extremely honest man that gave great sound advice. A very loyal husband and friend.
Wayne enjoyed going to antique auctions and buying tools, and according to his lovely wife Joyce they were never used. Cast iron Wagner and Griswold skillets were always on his radar as he became a collector of many. Wayne also enjoyed bowling on a league in his spare time.
Wayne was a member of the Plymouth Moose Lodge #741 and the Plymouth Am. Legion Post #27.
He is survived by his wife Joyce of Plymouth; son Wayne (Laura) Lacher of Kouts, IN; daughter Tami (Travis) Denney of Argos; son Bart Lacher and companion Loretta of Plymouth; and bonus daughter-in-law, Jodi Harris. Children of Wayne: Heidi (Randy) Payne, T.J. (Matt) Bradburn, Alexandrea (Matthew) Stull, Geri Lacher; children of Tami: Jessica (Brett) Bumford and Nathan (Joanna) Flora; children of Bart: Cody (Lindsay) Pozil and Chance Lacher; bonus granddaughter, daughter of Tim, Courtney (Spencer) Blazo; 17-great-grandchildren and 1 great great-grandchild; sister Shirley Cox and brother Larry Lacher; as well as his Jack Russell Terrier Micket.
Wayne is preceded in death by his parents, bonus son Tim Harris, siblings: Irene Taylor, LaVerne Lacher, Robert Lacher and LuLu Belle Town.
A service will be held on Saturday October 5, 2024, at 1 pm with a small service with nephew Brian Lacher officiating with a celebration of Life to follow at the Plymouth Am. Legion Post #27, 1040 East Jefferson Street, Plymouth.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be given to the Center for Hospice Care Raclin House, 501 Comfort Place, Mishawaka, IN 46545.
Condolences can be left for the family at www.johnson-danielson.com
