Wayne Vannice graduated to his heavenly home on Sunday morning, May 31st, at his country home in Adrian. He was a devoted husband to Dina and a proud father to his daughter, Jordan Marie, who was born during his 54th year. Wayne’s parents, James and Mary Vannice, joined heaven's courts several years ago.

Wayne was a true patriot. He loved God, his family, and his country. He served in the Air Force during the Vietnam War, working as a reciprocating engine mechanic at Offutt Air Force Base in Nebraska, where he maintained the piston-engine airplanes. His dream was to become a firefighter. Although he requested to join the Hazmat crew, his high mechanical scores led the Air Force to train him as a recip. mechanic, an area in which he excelled and received honors for his outstanding work. When he moved to Michigan in 2002, he joined the Yankee Air Museum and was a member for many years. Wayne never missed an opportunity to thank another veteran for their service and taught his daughter, Jordan Marie, to do the same.

Wayne had a keen sense of humor, finding joy in many of life’s experiences. Like his father, he was a quiet man, but he also inherited his mother’s fun and hilarious nature.

He enjoyed attending air shows with his family and capturing moments through photography. He volunteered his photography services to The Information Center, a nonprofit in Taylor, for nearly two decades. He was also a photographer for the Stewart Road Christian Church of God in Monroe, where his daughter Jordan Marie was raised.

In his 50s, Wayne’s lifelong dream was finally realized when he became the Chief Photographer for the Frenchtown Fire Department. He loved being part of the team and helping others. His photographs were displayed at the Monroe County Fair in the Frenchtown Fire Department booth each year.

A passionate music collector and musician, Wayne was a walking encyclopedia of rock and blues music. He could name every track on a specific album, its release date, the lead guitarist, drummer, and keyboardist, as well as the history of the artists behind each song.

Above all, Wayne was a Christian who deeply loved The Lord. In his final days, he called out to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, for strength to keep going. A heart patient, he was blessed to live 22 years beyond his quadruple heart surgery in 2004, for which his family is forever grateful.

Wayne is survived by his loving wife, Dina; his precious daughter, Jordan Marie (and her special friend, Vincent Kocaj); his sisters, Starla Kellerman and Cindy Shrout (and her husband, Roy); numerous nieces and nephews; his best friend, Australian photographer John Freedman; and “Tucker,” the family fur baby.

Visitation will be held from 3 to 7 p.m. Thursday, June 4, 2026 at Bacarella Funeral Home, 1201 S. Telegraph Rd., Monroe, where friends may also visit on Friday, June 5 from 10 a.m. until services start at 11 a.m. Rev. Brenda Jackson will officiate. A graveside service will take place Saturday, June 6 at 1 p.m. Oak Hill Cemetery North, 392 Oak Hill Road, Crawfordsville, IN.

Memorial contributions are suggested to VFW Post 1138.

2 Corinthians 5:8 “We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body and to be present with The Lord.”

Online condolences and special memories may be shared with the family by visiting the obituary page at www.bacarellafuneralhome.com.