Warren Wayne Ireland

Warren Wayne Ireland, 90, passed away Sunday, December 11, 2022 at his home in Emporia.

He was born September 28,1932 in rural Madison Township. He attended grade school in Madison and later attended Madison High School. Wayne entered the United States Army on February 10, 1953. He faithfully served his country until receiving his honorable discharge on February12, 1955.

He was joined in marriage to Ione Ann Haggerty on September 4, 1955 in Great Bend, Kansas. On March 1, 1964 he started Wayne’s Plumbing in Madison. He owned and operated the plumbing service until 1974 when he took a position with the Madison Post Office as a clerk. He was trained in all aspects of postal service and spent time delivering mail as well. He would officially retire on October 2, 1992. Wayne was preceded in death by his wife Ione on January 5, 1992.

Wayne later met Nona Ruth Thomas during a dance at the Emporia Senior Center. The two where seemingly destined to meet and they have been constant companions ever since.

Wayne was a faithful member of Ball-McColm American Legion Post #5 in Emporia and participated in numerous funeral honors details over the years.

He will live on in the hearts and memories of Nona who resides of their home; a daughter, Barbara Ann Watkins and her husband Andrew of Topeka; a son, Randy Ireland and his wife Liza of Texas; seven grandchildren; eleven great-grandchildren; numerous extended family and a community of friends.

Wayne’s wishes were to be cremated and his ashes inurned at Blakely Cemetery north of Madison. A graveside service will be scheduled later in the spring with military honors being given at that time. Condolences may be expressed at vanarsdalefs.com.