Jack “Wayne” Honaker, 72, of Marysville, died Wednesday, June 17, 2020 at Doctor’s Hospital in Columbus following a short illness.
An educator for 32 years, Wayne taught in the Marysville School System from 1970 to 2002. He was a mathematics and computer science teacher at Marysville High School where he was the math department chair from 1992 until retirement. Instrumental in the introduction of computers at the high school, he also taught computers at the Marysville satellite campus for Columbus State Community College.
As the MHS Cross Country head coach for many years, his teams won numerous league and district championships. He also was a coach for MHS wrestling and baseball. Coach Honaker was inducted into the Marysville High School Athletic Hall of Fame in 2006.
A graduate and athlete of Honaker High School in Honaker, Va., he received a bachelor’s degree from Berea College in 1970 and shortly after graduation, took his first teaching position in Marysville. He received a master’s degree in education from Xavier University.
An avid golfer, he was an associate of Liberty Hills Golf Club in Bellefontaine and had a close affiliation with Mill Creek Golf Club in Ostrander. He attended First Presbyterian Church of Marysville, was a volunteer at the Memorial Hospital Wellness Center for 14 years and was active with the Union County Retired Teachers Association. He was one of the “good guys.” Above all, he was a dedicated and supportive husband, father and “Papa.”
He was born Feb. 25, 1948 in Richlands, Va., and was preceded in death by his father, James L. Honaker, his mother, Opal Honaker Altizer, his step-father, Charles Altizer and his brother, James “David” Honaker.
He is survived by his loving wife of 49 years, Linda Sue Hollon Honaker, whom he married June 6, 1971 in Berea, Ky.; two daughters, Sarah Brooks of Galion and Erin (James Brueshaber) Crouso of Bellefontaine; five grandchildren, Darren, Caldonia and Lukas Brooks and Aidan and Jake Crouso; a brother, Will “Roger” (Shirley) Honaker of Gardner, Va.; his sisters-in-law, Barbara Honaker, Doris Farmer and Lois Hollon; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and close friends.
Due to the COVID situation, the family will hold a private gathering, but friends may pay their respects 4 to 6 p.m. Thursday, June 25, at Underwood Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to the MHS Athletic Hall of Fame or the MHS Alumni Scholarship Fund. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.underwoodfuneralhome.com