William Wayne Joy

McCOOK, Nebraska -- William Wayne Joy, 88, passed away Friday (April 8, 2011) at Community Hospital in McCook.

He was born April 4, 1923, in Culbertson, Nebraska, the son of the late Ira and Flossie (Korell) Joy. Wayne grew up in Culbertson and graduated from Culbertson High School in 1941.

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In October 1943, Wayne entered the U.S. Navy, where he was a gunners mate third class and served during World War II in the Mediterranean and Pacific theaters in southern France, Italy, Guam and the Virgin Islands. While in the service, Wayne married Ruth Messinger on March 9, 1945, in Oberlin, Kansas. Following his honorable discharge from the Navy on Dec. 2, 1945, the couple returned to Trenton, Nebraska, where they farmed and raised cattle southwest of Trenton until retiring and moving to McCook in 1996. 

Wayne was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Willard Joy and Dean Joy; sisters, Wilma Hoyt, Iris Thompson and Elaine Budig; sister-in-law, Betty Crocker and husband, Don.

Wayne is survived by his wife of 66 years, Ruth Joy of McCook; brothers-in-law, Willard Messinger and wife, Eva, and Merlin Messinger and wife, Eunice, all of McCook; numerous nieces and nephews, relatives and friends.

Funeral services are Wednesday, 10:30 a.m., at Memorial United Methodist Church in McCook with the Rev. Lance Clay officiating. Interment is in Memorial Park Cemetery in McCook.

Visitation is today until 9 p.m., and Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Memorials may be given in his name.

Herrmann Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements