Darrel "Wayne" Burton

Darrel “Wayne” Burton, 57, of Wausau and formerly of Medford, Wisconsin, passed away at Aspirus Wausau Hospital on Tuesday, May 2nd, 2023, after a four-year battle with colon cancer.

Wayne was born on April 17, 1966, in Norton, Virginia to the late Darrel and Bobbie (Davidson) Burton. As a child Wayne's family lived in Virginia and Kansas, with most of that time spent in Kansas. In the 1990's Wayne moved to Wisconsin and decided to put down roots. Wayne worked at Black River Industries in Medford for over 10 years and was the Transportation Supervisor when he quit and moved to Wausau. He became employed at Menzner Lumber and Supply in Marathon City, working there for over 5 years.

On July 1, 2017, Wayne was united in marriage to his best friend and the love of his life, Angela Baumann.

Over the years Wayne was active in the Stratford Horseshoe League and several bowling, dart, and pool leagues and always enjoyed a good game of cards, especially with his brothers. He was active in Taylor County Special Olympics, having served as the Agency Manager for over 10 years, receiving Agency Manager of the Year Award in 2008. He loved his Special Olympics family and always held a special place in his heart for them.

Wayne is survived by his wife, Angela, a son; Dionsius “DJ” Johnson, two daughters: Faith (Jered) Farris, and Kaisha Scharrschmidt, all of Wisconsin. He is also survived by three brothers: Robert Burton, Steven (Samantha) Burton, Tim (Kayla) Burton, one sister; Jessie (Eric) Goodyear, all of Kansas, four grandchildren: Hailey Johnson, Jacob Mock, Kaena Farris, and Liam Johnson, with his first great-grandchild expected next year. Other survivors include several nieces, nephews, numerous cousins, two aunts and an two uncles: Debbi Davidson, Dorothy (Jimmy) Qualls, Robert Huff and Walter Harding all of Virginia; close family friend, Mike Nielsen, and longtime best friend, Shawn Pearson, both of Kansas. Wayne is survived by his in-laws: Eunice and Elgart Baumann, Jr., a brother-in-law Tim (Beverly) Baumann, sister-in-law, Brenda Bolin. A precious goddaughter, Raven Denzin, also survives. Wayne was preceded in death by his parents, two aunts: Tommie Harding, Linda Huff, and one uncle, Thomas “Peegib” Davidson, all of Virginia.

Wayne knew the importance of family and always put them before anything else. Hanging out with his grandchildren was one of his favorite things to do. He loved attending their sporting events and concerts, always beaming with pride. Wayne was blessed to have spent some special time with his brothers on several fishing trips and a wild boar hunt in Oklahoma.

Funeral Services for Wayne will be at 12 Noon, Saturday, May 13^th at Trinity Lutheran Church, 501 Stewart Avenue, Wausau, Wisconsin with Rev. James L. Mayland officiating. Visitation will be from 9:00 A.M. until the time of services at 12 Noon at the church. Burial will take place at Maple Grove Cemetery, Merrill, Wisconsin.

He was a gentle giant, a teddy bear, an advocate for the most vulnerable of our population, well respected, intelligent, compassionate, kind, opinionated, and always fair. The absence of his presence will be felt by many.

Wayne's family would like to thank Dr. Chris Peterson, Dr. Clarissa Renken, Dr. Dustin Deming, the entire staff of the Aspirus Regional Cancer Center, and UW-Carbone Cancer Center in Madison, for the thorough, diligent, and compassionate care he received.

Helke Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.