Wayne Wilson Hostetler, 83, of Plymouth, IN, passed away on Sunday, August 18, 2024 in his home.
Wayne was born 19 June 1941 at Holy Family (E Street) Hospital, LaPorte, IN to Theodore W. and Neva R. (Barney) Hostetler of Walkerton, IN. Wayne was preceded in death by both of his parents, his only sibling, Sue, of Apple Valley, Minnesota, and his late spouse, Letha Schrome Hostetler.
In 1965, at Walkerton, Indiana, Wayne married Theresa Schmeltz, daughter of Linder and Maxine (Clingenpeel) Schmeltz of Walkerton. They had one daughter, Laura, born in 1968 in LaPorte, Indiana.
In November 1981, at Koontz Lake, Walkerton, Indiana, Wayne married Letha Ellen Schrome; daughter of Paul and Delta Ellen (Winterowd) Schrome of Plymouth, Indiana.
On 27 September 2003, Wayne married Carol Joan (Jo-Ann) Walter Tuttle, daughter of Cleo and Ada JoAnne (Finch) Walter of Walkerton, Indiana and Galien Michigan.
Wayne is survived by his spouse, Carol of Plymouth, Indiana; his daughter, Laura (Dave) McKesson of Walkerton, Indiana; and his granddaughter, Ashley McKesson of Walkerton.
Wayne grew up in the small town of Walkerton during the 1940s and early 1950s. While indulging a passion for animals, as a 13-year-old, he had a third of his nose bitten off by a raccoon. Extensive surgery and therapy were required for correction.
Wayne’s family relocated to Naples, Florida in 1956 where Wayne graduated from high school in 1959. The school album listed him as one of the two most talented. During his Florida years, as a junior and senior in high school, he was tutored by Alphonzo Gener, a professional artist, in the use of oils and watercolors. While living in Naples he experienced first-hand Hurricane Donna, a level IV storm.
Florida’s mild climate prompted indulgence in a favored method of transportation, motorcycles. Since 1957, Wayne owned a number of Harley Davidson’s famed 74s and an 80. He was a Harley rider for 38 years.
In 1961 Wayne enlisted in the U.S. Army for three years. By dates established by the U.S. Congress he is a Vietnam veteran. However, the bulk of his tour of duty was spent at Munich, Germany in Bavaria. Discharge from the military found Wayne with a working knowledge of the German language and wearing Sergeant’s chevrons.
From the age of 12 until currently, Wayne has been heavily involved in both two and three-dimensional art. Most of his works are of wildlife. He has been involved with the local art consortium, Heartland Artists, from their beginning and has participated in 33 of their competitions. He was considered a professional. Three of his sculptures, all life size, an American Alligator, and two Sandhill Cranes are displayed in the Calusa Museum and Planetarium at Ft. Myers, Florida.
An adjunct interest to his art was wildlife photography. He was noted among his peers for placing photo blinds/hides in trees at considerable heights from which to photograph birds.
Wayne spent his working life in, primarily, two fields. He was both a journeyman meat cutter and a journeyman carpenter. The last eight years before retirement found him working as maintenance personnel for Reynold’s Metals in Bourbon, Indiana and Universal Bearings in Bremen, Indiana.
Upon retirement at age 62, Wayne, in addition to his art, augmented his interest in music by becoming adept on a resophonic guitar (Dobro). He enjoyed challenges.
His twilight years were devoted to research and writing. Research involved in depth genealogies of his family lines, the history of Christianity, and Global Warming.
Six months in adult training classes for computers and word processing were the basis for a memoir, “Beyond The Horizons”, a record of his military experiences, “Sergeant Hostetler”, and two fictional short stories; “Pahayokee” and “The Gift”.
The family has chosen cremation, and a memorial service will take place at a later date. Please check www.deatonclemensfh.com for updates on the memorial service information.
Memorial donations may be made to Traditions Hospice (3555 Park Place W. #100, Mishawaka, IN 46545).
Thank you to all our friends and community for your support during this difficult time.
Deaton-Clemens Van Gilder Funeral Home is honored to be providing our services in celebrating the life of Wayne and wishes to extend our deepest condolences to the Hostetler family. Friends are invited to sign the online guest book and share memories with the family at: www.deatonclemensfh.com.
