Wayne Bales

     R. Wayne Bales, age 80 of Springfield, formerly of Ozark, went to his heavenly home on Thursday, February 15, 2024.  

     Wayne was born on February 14, 1944 in Indiana, the son of Roy and Ethel (Jones) Bales. During his childhood he lived in Indiana, Kansas City, New York and New Haven, Connecticut, where he graduated from high school.

     Wayne joined the U.S. Marines in March of 1964 and served until March of 1970.  During his active duty, he served in Vietnam, receiving the Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal and Sharpshooter Rifle Marksmanship Badge.  

     Wayne was a salesman of business hardware and steel doors, covering territory from the East Coast to the Midwest. Wayne enjoyed shooting, reloading and rebuilding old cars.  He had a love for children and respected all women.  He enjoyed visiting with everyone.  

     He met the love of his life, Susan Mary Davis while living in Florida. He married Susan in July of 1986.  With this union came a son, Robert Loetzer.  They moved to Ozark in 1994. After Wayne's retirement he worked part time for O'Reilly Automotive.  

     After Susan's passing Wayne met Kathy (Kat) Copeland Johnson.  They were married in December of 2020.  With this union came Pam and Bryan Fields and children and Kelli and Josh Rifenburg and children.  

     Wayne was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Susan and his son, D. Douglas Bales.

     Survivors include: his wife, Kat Bales of Springfield; his daughter, Melanie Gross of Overland Park, Kansas; his son, Aaron Bales of Bois D' Arc, Missouri; his brothers, Dave Bales and Charles Campbell of Joplin; his grandchildren, Ashley Bales, Megan Bales, Jake Bales, Ethan Gross, Madison Bales, Kara Schuch, Karli Schuch, Lacey Loetzer, Dakota Loetzer; and a host of other family and friends.  

     A graveside service with full military honors will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, February 23, 2024, at Missouri Veterans Cemetery, Springfield, under direction of Adams Funeral Home, Ozark, with Joshua Rifenburg officiating.