Wayne Raymond Paige

It is with great sadness that the family of Wayne Raymond Paige announce his passing on Sunday July 28, 2024, at home in Bellevue, Michigan at the age of 90.

Wayne was born on May 14, 1934 in Battle Creek, MI. The son of Walter and Lulu (Wilson) Paige.

Wayne graduated from Hastings High School in 1952. After finishing school, he worked as a machinist apprentice at Grand Trunk railroad where he became a highly skilled tool and die machinist. He went on to work for Eaton's and then for Kellogg's where he worked as a millwright for 33yrs, retiring in 1991.

Wayne married the love of his life, Joan Tack, in 1952. They have been happily married for 72yrs. They resided in the beautiful home that Wayne built for the past 64yrs.

He will be remembered for many things. He could build, fix and design anything. He re-stored a 1927 Paige car that he enjoyed taking to car shows and parades. He also built a motorized horseless carriage that his great grandkids love driving around.

He loved spending time at his property in northern Michigan riding motorcycles on the trails, climbing hills in his Willy's jeep that he re-stored, sitting around the campfire making hobo pies and spending time with family.

Wayne was incredibly loyal and devoted to the care of his family and enjoyed weekly Sunday family dinners and having the family over for the holidays. He loved to joke around with the grandkids and great grandkids and enjoyed nothing more than seeing those that he loved happy.

He was preceeded in death by his parents, brothers Richard, Robert, Kerwin Paige, sister Fancheon Wheaton and sister-in-law Loeta Wood.

Wayne is survived by his loving wife, Joan, Sons Bill (Jennifer) Paige, Tom Paige, daughter Gwendolyn Knapper. Grandchildren Jeff (Julie) Knapper, Jennifer (Ron) Force and Great Grandchildren Brendan & Bailey Knapper and Seth Force. And step great grandchildren Kelsey Stedman & Brendon Trevorrow.

A private memorial service will be held at a later date. Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home. To leave an online condolence visit www.girrbachfuneralhome.net.