Dewayne Lee Werner
Dawayne Lee Werner, loving and devoted son, husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, friend, and teacher went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Tuesday, April 18, 2023, at his home in Staunton, Virginia. He was 87 years old.
Dawayne was born in Long Prairie, Minnesota. He graduated from the Minnesota State Academy for the Deaf in Faribault, Minnesota in 1956. In 1960, he graduated from Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C. Later, he earned his Masters of Arts degree from Western Maryland College.
He worked at the Virginia School for the Deaf and Blind for 31 years. He was a beloved teacher of history and science and later administratively worked as a supervising teacher. He was patient and kind with everyone he worked with.
Dawayne loved sports, whether participating, watching, or coaching. He participated in basketball and track and field during his school days. Later, at VSDB, he was the head girls basketball coach for several years.
Dawayne lived his life fully and joyfully. He enjoyed working on antique cars, woodworking, and studying history. He was involved in his children's activities and encouraged them in all of their interests and supported his family in any way he could. He loved spending time with his family and looked forward to traveling back home to Minnesota as often as possible. There he enjoyed fishing and boating and family reunions. He and his wife, Shirley, traveled the country exploring multiple historical and natural history sites. Together they visited every state in the U.S. and traveled to Canada and Egypt abroad.
Dawayne was an active member of the Deaf community. He and his wife were involved with both the National Association of the Deaf (NAD) and the Virginia Association of the Deaf (VAD). He served the Deaf community through participation on several committees in the VAD after his retirement from VSDB. In 2013, Dawayne was honored with the VAD’s Father of the Year Award.
Dawayne was preceded in death by his parents, Fredrick and Loretta Werner, his brothers Robert, Ronald, and James Werner, his sister Pauline Casey, his brothers-in-law Tony Bruder, Oscar Jensen, and Roy Casey.
His beautiful life will be forever cherished by his family and friends.
He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Shirley; his children Suzanne (Chris) Botkin of Fort Defiance, Virginia and Patrick (Amy) Werner of Bridgewater, Virginia; his grandchildren Hunter (Katelynn) Botkin, Hannah Botkin, Logan Botkin, Jackson Werner, and Emily Werner; his great grandchildren IvyRose and Hazel; his sisters Frances Jensen, Lois Bruder, Rita (Richard) Barhorst, Barbara Cokely, Lynette (David) Drager, Debra (James) Fanning, and Rebecca (Gerald) Meis; his brothers Gary (Karen) Werner, and Richard Werner; his sisters-in-law Judy Werner, and Sharon Werner; and his cherished host of in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Dawayne’s mentorship, leadership, and presence will be missed, but we know his life had an effect on many that cannot be put into words. He was a blessing to those he knew and met, and a loving family man who will be missed greatly. His life will live on in the countless people he encouraged and loved. We know he is with the LORD and we will live our lives knowing we shall see him again. He was a good and faithful servant.
The family wants to thank those devoted doctors, nurses, and health care providers at Augusta Health who helped care for him. We are grateful for your kindness and compassion.
A celebration of life service will be held in early June, details will follow.
Coffman Funeral Home and Crematory, 230 Frontier Drive, Staunton is in charge of his arrangements.
