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, and 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 on Thursday, January 25, 2024, at 2:00 pm at the North Heights Church of Christ with Dr. Edward Myers officiating.
Visitation will be held from 12:00 pm until 2:00 pm 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 1:00 pm.
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.
