Wayne W. Vannest, 85, of Midland died Saturday, March 25 at Stone Crest in Freeland. Wayne was born in Detroit on February 26, 1938 to Olive (Lucas) and Wellington Vannest and moved to Gladwin when he was eight. He graduated in 1957 from Gladwin High School and moved to Midland where he was employed by the SS Kresge Company. In 1966 he was hired by the Dow Chemical Company, and after his retirement in 1995 began his dream job driving for Draves Auto for the next 26 years.
He married the love of his life, LaNeel Sheets on October 18, 1958; and they were blessed with three children, Kelly (Jim) Stinson of Hope, Terri (Don) Killey of Freeland and Roger (Michelle) Vannest of Midland. He truly enjoyed his six grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. He has two brothers, Byron Vannest and Dennis (Susan) Vannest, and a sister, Linda (Roy) Staley.
He was predeceased by his parents; his in-laws; brothers, Mark Vannest and Harold Vannest; sistersin- law, Janet Vannest and Lana Edick; and brother-inlaw, Randy Sheets.
Wayne was a hard-working, gentle and kind man who loved family, friends, Nascar, and his Savior. He was an active member of Calvary Baptist Church in Midland for over 64 years and read through his Bible every year for over 40 years. We will miss his precious smile!
A funeral service will take place at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, April 4 at Calvary Baptist Church, 6100 Perrine Road, Midland with Pastor James Day officiating. Friends may visit with the family on Monday, April 3 at Smith-Miner Funeral Home from 5-7 p.m. and at the church on Tuesday from 10 a.m. until the time of service. Burial will take place at Midland Memorial Gardens at 3 p.m.
Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider donating to Calvary Baptist Academy in his honor.
Smith-Miner Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Vannest family; to share a special memory please visit www.smithminer. com.