Wayne Hall Derr  -  Veteran

Wayne Hall Derr, 88, of Bonaire, Georgia, passed away peacefully on June 24, 2026.

Wayne was born on June 9, 1938, in Red Cloud, Nebraska, to the late Darrell and Winford Derr. Wayne answered the call to serve his country by enlisting in the United States Air Force at 17 years old. Through dedication, hard work, and unwavering commitment, he proudly served his nation as a flight engineer on the C-130 and C-141 aircraft, as well as an air traffic controller and retired with the rank of Master Sergeant (MSgt).

Following his military retirement, Wayne continued his service to his country through a distinguished civilian career as a F-15 Project Administration Officer at Robins Air Force Base, from which he also retired. Aviation was a huge part of Waynes’ life, and he loved flying so much so that he obtained his own private pilot license.

Wayne was a man of many passions and accomplishments. He was a World Champion Skeet Shooter, an avid bass fisherman, and a devoted enthusiast of classic automobiles. While he enjoyed these pursuits immensely, nothing brought Wayne greater happiness than the time he spent with his family. His love for them was evident in all that he did, and the memories he created with them will be treasured forever.

In addition to his parents, Wayne was preceded in death by his beloved great-grandson, Thomas Darley, and sister-in-law, Sharon Derr.

Left to cherish his memory are his loving and devoted wife, Barbara Ann Derr (Marchman); his sons, Kenny Derr (Bridget) of Kathleen, Georgia, and Jimmie Derr (Linda) of Bonaire, Georgia; his grandchildren, Christa Darley (Jacob), Britney Derr, Ashley Westmoreland (Blake), and Landon Derr; and his great-grandchildren, Hana Darley, Savannah Darley, Foster Darley, and Violet Darley; brothers, Roger Derr (Pat) of Columbine Valley, Colorado, Rodney Derr (Louise) of Corpus Christie, Texas, and Wally Derr of McCook, Nebraska. He also leaves behind many extended family members and friends who will miss him dearly.

A celebration of Wayne's life will be held on Friday, July 10, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. in the chapel of Burpee-Scott Memorial Chapel & Crematory. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Interment will follow at Magnolia Park Cemetery.

Pastor Jay Lauritsen and Pastor Matt Olsen will officiate the service.

Wayne's legacy of service, dedication, sportsmanship, and love for family will continue to inspire all who knew and loved him.

Wayne Hall “Butch” Derr

Birth

9 Jun 1938

Red Cloud, Webster County, Nebraska, USA

Death

24 Jun 2026 (aged 88)

Bonaire, Houston County, Georgia, USA

Burial

Magnolia Park Cemetery and Mausoleum

Warner Robins, Houston County, Georgia, USA

https://www.burpeescottmemorialchapel.com/obituaries/Wayne-Hall-Derr?obId=48862857