Wayne Charles Doolittle
October 28, 1938-October 5, 2025
Surrounded by his loving family following a brief illness, Wayne passed away peacefully in his home at the age of 86 in Bakersfield, California.
Wayne was born in Beatrice, Nebraska, raised in a small town called Lushton and attended school in McCool. Upon graduating high school, he proudly served in the US Coast Guard and was stationed in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. Life was good at The Soo and he enjoyed many adventures there with friends. When his service to the Coast Guard ended, he made his way to California where he met the love of his life, Imogene (Jean) Quick. They enjoyed many nights going to Pizzaville and gathering with friends. They soon married and enjoyed 45 wonderful years together, creating a beautiful life and family, before her passing in 2008.
A man of many talents, Wayne was a diesel mechanic by trade. There was no task he wasn't prepared for. His passion was working on cars, specifically racing vehicles. He loved working with the Mears gang years ago and taking on any projects big or small regarding all things racing. He and his friend Frank James built their own racing truck to race in Baja as well. Wayne had a shop downtown for many years to allow his passions to grow and thrive. He and his friends would meet there to plot and plan and build. Most of all, they enjoyed deep friendships. He was always prepared to lend his many skills to anyone in need, friends and neighbors alike, earning their admiration, gratitude, and their willingness to return the favor should the opportunity or need arise.
Following the passing of his wife, he attempted to fill the void through volunteer work in the community. He was involved in the Gleaners food bank, fan giveaways for seniors, and volunteered at a senior center not only to give back, but to participate and engage within the community once again.
These were fulfilling but none so much as when he met and began dating, June Rieck. She was just what was needed to bring him back to the vibrant man he once was. They began traveling together and enjoying life in ways he hadn't really pursued before. They embraced the open road and traveled far and wide visiting folks and traveling to places for gatherings, reunions, weddings, reigniting friendships, and so many beautiful things. June brought a spark back to him that would have otherwise been lost. In all their adventures though, the best and brightest would have been their annual visit to Yuma where they met up with so many beautiful friends who became family. Snowbirds, they're called, all came to gather at their Moose lodge for their dollar bloody Marys, live music, dancing, wing and rib eating, or just togetherness at the lodge. There's always something to do while visiting Yuma, have a bbq, head to Quartzite, a trip to Mexico, go to the town sale, or any number of exciting things. What a blessing to have made those connections and friendships in his life. So many wonderful people to have known and cared for who cared for him right back.
Throughout his brief illness there was one thing for certain. Love. There was an outpouring of love from family, friends, and caring individuals who reached out to share their love and concern for Wayne. For all these people, we are eternally grateful to you, and we know that he was as well. Special mention to friends Joe and Carol. Your visits to the hospital during his many home visits over the summer and fall were bright spots on dreary days and knowing that you cared meant the world. Susie and Dwight Hauck, your calls and letters were both a source of joy and frivolity but also a capsule of pure love. Nothing could replace the feeling left after a call from you both. We know you wanted to visit, but he never wanted you to put yourselves out that much. See you in the hereafter. Big thanks to Frank Benson, whose frequent check ins were so heartfelt and meaningful and also contained humorous photos of caution. These were some of the most heartfelt connections but by far, not the only ones. Thank you to everyone who touched his life in a meaningful way. We are forever grateful and thankful for you.
Wayne was preceded in death by his parents Max and Helen Doolittle, his sister Ella Jane Smith, his nephew Roy Smith, and his beloved wife Jean Doolittle. He is survived by his loving and devoted partner June Rieck; his three daughters Mary Halford, Melissa Dunaway, Jennifer (Charles) Gamble; six grandchildren Misty (Brandon) Minnick, Sarah (Josh) Grabofsky, Alyson Dunaway, Eric (Chelsea) Dunaway, Kyle Dunaway, Nathan Gamble; three great-grandchildren Olivia and Benjamin Dunaway, and the newest addition to the family, Cooper Grabofsky. Wayne is also survived by his loyal dog and best furry friend, Chester, who remained faithfully by his side until the very end.
In accordance with his wishes, no services will be held. His family will honor his memory in their hearts and through the stories and love he leaves behind.
October 28, 1938-October 5, 2025
Surrounded by his loving family following a brief illness, Wayne passed away peacefully in his home at the age of 86 in Bakersfield, California.
Wayne was born in Beatrice, Nebraska, raised in a small town called Lushton and attended school in McCool. Upon graduating high school, he proudly served in the US Coast Guard and was stationed in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. Life was good at The Soo and he enjoyed many adventures there with friends. When his service to the Coast Guard ended, he made his way to California where he met the love of his life, Imogene (Jean) Quick. They enjoyed many nights going to Pizzaville and gathering with friends. They soon married and enjoyed 45 wonderful years together, creating a beautiful life and family, before her passing in 2008.
A man of many talents, Wayne was a diesel mechanic by trade. There was no task he wasn't prepared for. His passion was working on cars, specifically racing vehicles. He loved working with the Mears gang years ago and taking on any projects big or small regarding all things racing. He and his friend Frank James built their own racing truck to race in Baja as well. Wayne had a shop downtown for many years to allow his passions to grow and thrive. He and his friends would meet there to plot and plan and build. Most of all, they enjoyed deep friendships. He was always prepared to lend his many skills to anyone in need, friends and neighbors alike, earning their admiration, gratitude, and their willingness to return the favor should the opportunity or need arise.
Following the passing of his wife, he attempted to fill the void through volunteer work in the community. He was involved in the Gleaners food bank, fan giveaways for seniors, and volunteered at a senior center not only to give back, but to participate and engage within the community once again.
These were fulfilling but none so much as when he met and began dating, June Rieck. She was just what was needed to bring him back to the vibrant man he once was. They began traveling together and enjoying life in ways he hadn't really pursued before. They embraced the open road and traveled far and wide visiting folks and traveling to places for gatherings, reunions, weddings, reigniting friendships, and so many beautiful things. June brought a spark back to him that would have otherwise been lost. In all their adventures though, the best and brightest would have been their annual visit to Yuma where they met up with so many beautiful friends who became family. Snowbirds, they're called, all came to gather at their Moose lodge for their dollar bloody Marys, live music, dancing, wing and rib eating, or just togetherness at the lodge. There's always something to do while visiting Yuma, have a bbq, head to Quartzite, a trip to Mexico, go to the town sale, or any number of exciting things. What a blessing to have made those connections and friendships in his life. So many wonderful people to have known and cared for who cared for him right back.
Throughout his brief illness there was one thing for certain. Love. There was an outpouring of love from family, friends, and caring individuals who reached out to share their love and concern for Wayne. For all these people, we are eternally grateful to you, and we know that he was as well. Special mention to friends Joe and Carol. Your visits to the hospital during his many home visits over the summer and fall were bright spots on dreary days and knowing that you cared meant the world. Susie and Dwight Hauck, your calls and letters were both a source of joy and frivolity but also a capsule of pure love. Nothing could replace the feeling left after a call from you both. We know you wanted to visit, but he never wanted you to put yourselves out that much. See you in the hereafter. Big thanks to Frank Benson, whose frequent check ins were so heartfelt and meaningful and also contained humorous photos of caution. These were some of the most heartfelt connections but by far, not the only ones. Thank you to everyone who touched his life in a meaningful way. We are forever grateful and thankful for you.
Wayne was preceded in death by his parents Max and Helen Doolittle, his sister Ella Jane Smith, his nephew Roy Smith, and his beloved wife Jean Doolittle. He is survived by his loving and devoted partner June Rieck; his three daughters Mary Halford, Melissa Dunaway, Jennifer (Charles) Gamble; six grandchildren Misty (Brandon) Minnick, Sarah (Josh) Grabofsky, Alyson Dunaway, Eric (Chelsea) Dunaway, Kyle Dunaway, Nathan Gamble; three great-grandchildren Olivia and Benjamin Dunaway, and the newest addition to the family, Cooper Grabofsky. Wayne is also survived by his loyal dog and best furry friend, Chester, who remained faithfully by his side until the very end.
In accordance with his wishes, no services will be held. His family will honor his memory in their hearts and through the stories and love he leaves behind.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Wayne Charles Doolittle, please visit our flower store.
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