Wayne E. Drown

Wayne E. Drown, 87, of Muncie, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on the evening of Saturday, December 27, 2025, following a lengthy and courageous battle with Parkinson’s disease. He was born on June 26, 1938, in Muncie, Indiana, a son of the late John Drown and Melba Nichols. Wayne attended Muncie Central High School and proudly served his country in the United States Air Force. First and foremost, Wayne was a man of faith. He accepted Christ at the age of 15 and remained a devoted believer throughout his life. He was a faithful member of Full Gospel Temple in Muncie, where he served as an usher and found great joy in worship and fellowship. Wayne deeply loved attending church and was heartbroken when declining health no longer allowed him to be there in person. Even then, his faith never wavered, and he faithfully served the Lord until his passing. Wayne was also known for his strong work ethic and dependability. He believed in giving his best in everything he did and consistently went above and beyond. He retired from the Muncie Sanitation Department after many years of dedicated service. A disciplined and active man, Wayne placed great importance on physical fitness. He enjoyed working out and staying strong, reflecting his belief in caring for both body and spirit. He had a lifelong appreciation for combat sports, particularly judo and karate, and also enjoyed playing softball and bowling. Some of his most treasured times were spent hunting and fishing with his sons, creating lasting memories through shared experiences. Those left to cherish Wayne’s memory include his five sons, Richard (Margaret) Drown of Muncie, Michael Drown of Muncie, Greg (Amy) Drown of New Castle, Brian (Stephanie) Drown of Anderson, and Chad (Jennifer) Drown of Muncie; his grandchildren, Joanne (Dale) Cooper, Rachael Wallen, Laura Drown, Mark Lindley, Michael Drown Jr., Braden (Caitlin) Drown, Linnea Drown, Ethan Drown, Kelsie Drown (Austin Fautauvi), Nate Drown (Morgan Day), Parker Drown, Jordan (Chelsee) Tighe, Jenna (Caden) Huston, Jacob (Olivia) Whittenburg, Kelsey Buckley, and Kyle (Hannah) Buckley; his great-grandchildren, John Cooper, Destinee, Alyzza, Skylynn, Irie Jo Drown, Lanee, Harper, and Beau Buckley, Eimi Jo Fautauvi, Jupiter Tighe, and Amorá Drown, and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Wayne was preceded in death by his first wife, Helen Marie Drown; his second wife, Billie Jo Drown; his brothers, Larry Drown, Ronnie Drown, and James Drown; and a half-brother, Freddie Joe Nichols. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, January 5, 2026, at Full Gospel Temple, 212 W. 7th Street, Muncie, with Pastor John Helton officiating. Burial will be held at a later date at Gardens of Memory in Muncie. Friends may call at the church from 11:00 a.m. until the time of the service on Monday. Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Sproles Family Funeral Home in New Castle. You may send the family a personal condolence at www.sprolesfamilycares.com. Memorial contributions may be made to the Michael J. Fox Parkinson’s Foundation by Clicking Here. The Sproles family and staff are honored to serve the family of Wayne E. Drown.

Tributes

Wayne E. Drown

June 26, 1938 - December 27, 2025