Page, Wayne Laverne 'Johnny'

Wayne Laverne “Johnny” Page, 93, died March 16, 2012, at Winslow House Care Center in Marion after a short illness.

Johnny was born Aug. 20, 1918, to Mayme White Page and Harmon Tyrus Page in Delaware, Okla.

He is survived by his wife of 64 years, the love of the life, Manon Snow Page of Winslow House Care Center. Also surviving are his children Jonathan Wayne Page of Washington state, Mary Page-Dailey and husband Richard of Midlothian, Va., and Glen Harmon Snow Page of Mount Vernon, Iowa. Also surviving are grandchildren, Kelly Dawn Lambert and husband Brad, Jonathan Wayne Page II, Joshua David Page, Elric Page, Travis David Edwards and wife Jana, Gregory Tanner Edwards and wife Kara, Justin Patrick Dailey, Eric Logan Dailey, Rachel Manon Page, Catherine Page and Keri Lynn Page. Also surviving are 12 nieces and nephews and many great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his beloved sister, Erville; and his brothers, Glenn, Ray and Charles (Todd) Page.

Johnny served as a deacon in the Community of Christ since 1958. As an active member of his church congregations, he served in the capacity of Boy Scout leader, church schoolteacher, and vocalist, singing in All-City choirs, quartets, and solos.

Johnny was a proud veteran of World War II, serving in the Seabees as a metal smith with the 52nd Naval Construction Battalion on the Aleutian Islands, Hawaii and Guam. During the war years, Johnny played an integral part in planning, producing and performing in many musical productions to boost troop morale. Another important contribution to the war effort provided a solution to the dangerous task of communicating from island to island in the Pacific Theater. He conceived of and created a signaling device prototype patented and used by the armed forces, saving many U. S. lives.

Johnny's professional career spanned the years of 1946 to 2008, first setting up his own sheet metal business. His expertise as a sheet metal fabricator led him to corporate positions in production control, supervision and project management for The Aluminum and Brass Foundry in Independence, Mo., Bendix Corporation and Brooks Research and Manufacturing, both in Kansas City, Mo., Collins Radio Co. and Globe Machinery and Supply Co., both in Cedar Rapids, and Heating and Supply Co. in Waterloo, Iowa. After officially retiring in 1983, he began part-time work at True-Value Hardware until the age of 90 in 2008.

A memorial service will be held at the Cedar Memorial Park Chapel of Memories in Cedar Rapids on Saturday, March 24, at 3 p.m. by the Rev. David Loy. The family will be available to greet guests at the end of the service.

The family suggests donations be made to The Wounded Warriors Project.

Online condolences may be sent to

www.cedarmemorial.com under obituaries.

Published March 19, 2012 in The Gazette