Wayne Failing was born on October 4th, 1933 to Wilma (Hardy) and Quentin Failing in Ellis, Oklahoma. He was raised in Colorado and came north to Montana in 1955 at the age of 17 during the oil boom. He was introduced to the love of his life, Mavis “Mickey” Buckles by her father, Walter in the fall of 1954 and married her in Poplar, MT on February 9th, 1955.
To this union six children were born. Mervin Failing, Marvin (Jeanette) Failing, Carl Failing, Rose Marie (Denver) Atkinson, Allison (Max) Failing and Jerry Failing.
During his life he worked many jobs. He drove truck as a young boy hauling melons, some oil work, cooking in a café, mechanic running his own business, Moe Chevrolet, road construction, transportation supervisor for the Poplar school district, as well as wheat farming with his sons and nephews. He took great pride in his ability to maintain the cruisers on site. Dad was a genius when it came to fixing things. He would go to bed thinking something over and by morning a plan was in place. There wasn’t a thing that dad couldn’t fix. He took great pleasure in his work and didn’t quit until it was done right.
He was nick named “Wayne Works All the Time” by his son-in-law Denver. It was so truly accurate. Dad rarely took the time to stop and rest. He was forever working on a project for someone else. Wayne was referred to by many other names such as Uncle Wayne, Grandpa Wayne, papa, dad and bus driver. He loved all of his titles and lived up to every one of them.
Dad was a quiet, gentle soul. He rarely raised his voice, but if ever he did, the whole world would have to stop and listen. He was forever whistling or humming a tune. People would often ask what the name of the song was. No one ever knew, including him. His smile was as big as his heart. He always thought of others first and gave endlessly, never thinking of himself first. Wayne would make sure that everyone had food on their plate and clothes on their back before he ever thought of needing a thing for himself. He enjoyed his sweet treats, the kids coming by to say hi, his dogs, going for a drive to get some ice cream and sitting in a chair by mom holding her hand.
Alzheimer’s is a horrible disease robbing one’s mind piece by piece for years. Dad was a victim of this horrible disease. He knew it was happening and did all that he could before it got too bad. He traveled in his motorhome with mom and visiting places he longed to see. Several years into his progression of the disease, he lost the love of his life. Dad never ceased looking and longing for his lifelong companion. He spent the last two years of his life in the Faith Lutheran Home special care unit in Wolf Point. He continued along the path of destruction that Alzheimer’s does to one and passed away on October 27th, 2016.
Wayne is survived by his children, Marvin, Carl, Rose, Allison and Jerry; grandchildren Michael, Martha, Marlene, Brandon, Chad, Isaac, Quentin, Denver Jr, Paul Wayne, Wyatt, Klane, Phoenix, Joshua, Jared, Jade and Jessica; 17 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Mickey; son, Mervin; parents, Wilma and Quentin; siblings, Roland, Gene, Quentin Jr, Ruth and Wilmeta and a special nephew, Raymond Lanchbury.
A rosary will be recited on Wednesday November 2nd at 7:00 p.m. at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, November 3rd at 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Poplar, MT. Burial will follow at Poplar City Cemetery. Bell Mortuary is in charge in arrangements, condolences may be left at bellmortuarymontana.com.
Evetta Two Bulls says
Our deepest and heartfelt condolences to the family. Praying for comfort and strength during this difficult time.
Wayne and Evetta Two Bulls
Rod & Ilene Standen says
Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of you. It takes a great parent to raise such a large and caring family. He and your Mom are together once again keeping an eye on everyone!
Terry McAnally says
To all of Wayne’s family,
Bob and I are so sorry for your loss. Now he is back with his love and the angels. May the Creator wrap loving arms around you all during this time.
Bob and Terry McAnally
James and Rosella says
So sorry for your loss. Wayne was a very kind and caring man. He will be missed. Sending our sincere condolences to the family.
Spike Bighorn says
My deepest condolences to Wayne’s family. He truly was a gentleman…..