Wayne Leon Straw

Wayne Leon Straw, 88, was welcomed into the presence of his Savior on Sunday, June 21, 2026. He was born the son of Donald and Hazel (Reynolds) Straw. Wayne attended Roseville, PA Grade School and Mansfield, PA High School. Wayne loved driving truck and was an owner operator truck driver for 30 years. He then went to work at Lansing Central School District in Lansing, NY as transportation supervisor for several years. Since Wayne’s favorite pastime was working, he then went to work at Lansing Parks and Recreation in Lansing, NY for several years as grounds supervisor. He also serviced in the National Guards for several years. Wayne was a member of the Tabernacle Baptist Church in Ithaca, NY as well as actively serving his church family of Peace River Baptist Church in Punta Gorda, FL where he enjoyed spending the winter months.

Wayne is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 69 years, Doris (Kennedy) Straw, daughters Peggy Straw and Sherry (Kadin) Thompson, grandchildren Renae Johnson and Wayne Thompson and great-grandson Gatlin Johnson. He is also survived by his sister, Linda (Thomas) Dunkleberger and nieces and nephews. 

He is preceded in death by his parents Donald and Hazel Straw.

Wayne was well loved by many friends and will be best remembered for his generosity, devotion and hard work. In his later years, Wayne spent a lot of time on his phone texting people to keep in touch. (We will miss those text messages since there is no texting from Heaven!)

Visitation will be held between 10:00 am and 11:00 am at Tabernacle Baptist Church in Ithaca, NY on July 11, 2026, with a funeral service following at 11:00 am.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Tabernacle Baptist Church or the American Cancer Society in Wayne’s honor.