News Death Notice
BERTRAM, Wayne E. 84, of Greenville, Ohio, went peacefully to be with his Lord and Savior on July 4, 2014. He was surrounded by family and friends in the final days of his life. Wayne was preceded in death by his parents Sherman and Lois Bertram. Wayne, a U.S. Army veteran of the Korean Conflict, was born in Toledo, Ohio on February 25, 1930, and raised in Monticello, Kentucky. Wayne was a member of First Southern Baptist Church in Camden, Ohio and was a strong believer in Christ. He accepted the Lord as Savior in July 1954, after hearing the sermon, "Payday Someday" by R.G. Lee. Wayne spent his career working for the United States Postal Service, first as a clerk then as president of the Dayton Local of the American Postal Worker's Union (APWU) until 1977. He then served as a National Business Agent for the APWU until 1995 when he retired. Wayne is survived by his wife of more than 54 years, Edith Lamons Bertram, children Lesia Bertram, of Greenville, Ohio, Douglas (Catherine) Bertram, of Arcanum, Ohio and Leticia (Richard) Miller, of Greenville, Ohio. His grandchildren Ashley (Bertram) Todd and husband Brian, of Costa Rica, Elizabeth (Miller) Davis and husband Clint, of Wilder, Kentucky, Stacy (Bertram) Berry and husband Chris, of Fort Mitchell, Kentucky and Victoria Miller, of Greenville, Ohio, as well as one great-granddaughter, Emma Todd. He is also survived by three sisters Vera Burke, of Chrisney, Indiana, Loretta Catron, of Monticello, Kentucky, and Janice (Lawrence) Carrender, of West Chester, Ohio and brother Paul Bertram, of Monticello, Kentucky. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews. The family would like to thank the radiology nurses of Good Samaritan Hospital in Dayton, Ohio, State of the Heart Hospice of Darke County, Ohio as well as Dr. John Studebaker of Greenville, Ohio for their outstanding and compassionate care during Wayne's illness. There will be a service held on Wednesday, July 9, 2014 at 12:00 PM at First Southern Baptist Church, 35 N. Liberty Street, Camden, Ohio, with Dr. Greg F. Jackson officiating. Burial will be in the Abbottsville Cemetery at approximately 3:00 PM. Family will receive friends on Tuesday, July 8, 2014 from 4-8 PM at Zechar Bailey Funeral Home, Greenville as well as from 10:00 AM until the time of the service on Wednesday at Church. It is the wishes of the family that memorial contributions be given to the Wounded Warrior Program. Wayne's eternal home will be in Heaven. Condolences for the family may be expressed through www.zecharbailey.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Wayne was the best, no doubt about it. I first met him in the early 60's and that started a friendship that lasted for always. He was fun to talk to, making us laugh a lot, an absolute pure union man gifted with a perseverance that would not let him take NO for answer. He fought for all that was good for his fellow postal employees. One of the best times was "roasting" Wayne in Cleveland several years ago. What a great memory that we all have from that night. He was my union brother and I loved him like he was my brother. My sincere prayers and thoughts go with you, Edith and all your family. Knowing that God will comfort you. Love your friend, Phyllis "P.K." Wood (one of the Golden girls"
July 8, 2014
Edith, you have my deepest sympathy. Elaine Hackett
July 8, 2014
My most heartfelt sympathy goes to Edith and the Bertram family. Wayne was one of my mentors and a friend. He did wonderful work for our union and was always there to help and educate those of us who were following in his footsteps. Rest is peace dear brother.
Terry Grant
July 8, 2014
I always counted Wayne as a friend of mine. He was kind and considerate, and very modest. I watched him present a case once for us, he had such a classy style.
Steve Schoettmer
July 8, 2014
My prayers are with you Edith and your family. Wayne was a great person and will be missed.
Debbie N.
July 7, 2014
Dearest Bertram Family,
Please accept my Family's sincerest condolences. It was one of my proudest working moments to succeed Wayne as an NBA for the Union when he retired in 1995. Wayne taught me and so many others much about the Union and life in general. Not a day went by during my tenure with the APWU that I did not utilize the many skills he had passed on. Wayne was a true Friend and Union Brother but most importantly a shining example of devotion to Family and Faith. We were all better to have walked with him.
You are in our prayers,
Russ and Kim Bugary and Family
Russell Bugary
July 7, 2014
Dearest Bertram Family,
Please accept my Family's sincerest condolences. It was one of my proudest working moments to succeed Wayne as an NBA for the Union when he retired in 1995. Wayne taught me and so many others much about the Union and life in general. Not a day went by during my tenure with the APWU that I did not utilize the many skills he had passed on. Wayne was a true Friend and Union Brother but most importantly a shining example of devotion to Family and Faith. We were all better to have walked with him.
You are in our prayers,
Russ and Kim Bugary and Family
Russ Bugary
July 7, 2014
Sending prayers for the Bertram family during this time of sorrow. Weeping may endure for a night but joy cometh in the morning! Thank you for all of the work you did for APWU... The struggle continues
Stephanie Keaton
July 7, 2014
As a former local president, I got to know Wayne in the state conventions that we both attended. Wayne won a lot of grievances for the Lake-Geauga AL #1204 over his years as National Business Agent. As a person he was a good and decent man. I was honored to call him my friend. May he rest in Peace and may he be with the Lord forever.
John Duka
July 7, 2014
My deepest sympathy goes out to the Bertram family. My prayers go out to you.
Jerry and Marsha Collins
July 7, 2014
My deepest sympathy to the Bertram Family in the lost of Wayne. May God keep you close during this difficult time.
Breverly Hunter
July 7, 2014
Edith and Lisa....it was our great privilege to know Wayne this side of heaven. He was a joyful Christian! Prayers for you and all your family as you journey on without him on this earth but toward an eternity with him in heaven. Hugs and prayers, Ron and Linda Bowling FSB Camden
Linda Bowling
July 7, 2014
I am so sorry for the loss for the family, Wayne taught me the art of arbitration and was always grateful for his guidance. A wonderful person and champion for the workers.
Thomas Osmer
July 7, 2014
I am thinking of you so much aunt Edie Doug Cathy Tish Lisa and the whole family I am sorry
Amy Leroy David Dylan Stitt
July 6, 2014
Dear Bertram family,
My sincere condolences to your family. Wayne was professionally and personally a role model to many, including me. His devotion to his union members inspired us to be better leaders and better individuals. He will be greatly missed.
May the Lord comfort you at this time.
Paul Hern, NBA ret. Cincinnati Region APWU
Paul Hern
July 6, 2014
Dear Bertram family,please accept my family condolences for your loss. Wayne was a good man and he was respected by his union brothers and sisters. He will be missed.
James Leonard, CkAL2307, (Lexington, KY.)
James Leonard
July 6, 2014
Dearest Bertram Family, John/Ida Smith, Fred/Cheryl Brown and family would like to express our deepest sympathy during this time. I'm so glad now that Fred and I were able to spend time with the family recently. Wayne was his funny and compassionate self and we had good laughs with him. Our family has been blessed to know the Bertram's for well over 50 years and have many good memories. Wayne will be missed physically but will live on with us spiritually until we meet again. Please know that the Smith family will be here for you guys. The Smith Family
Cheryl Brown
July 6, 2014
Showing 1 - 17 of 17 results
Funeral services provided by:
Zechar Bailey Funeral Home1499 N Broadway PO Box 337, Greenville, OH 45331
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read moreWhat kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read moreWe'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read moreLegacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreThey're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read more