Wayne Strecker

Wayne A. Strecker, 60, of Gulfport, MS., died Wednesday, July 20, 2016, at Ochsner Hospital in Jefferson LA.

Wayne was born in New Orleans, LA on June 10, 1956.  He was the son of Frank "Jack" and Evelyn (Savoie) Strecker.  Wayne  spent his younger years growing up in New Orleans , in a shotgun house shared with his maternal grandparents, Hazel and Abel Savoie.  Wayne's parents moved their family to Slidell , involving the whole family in Jack's Nursery  and other business ventures. Wayne attended St Margaret Mary School and graduated high school from Holy Redeemer in La Comb LA.   He studied at Delgado College in New Orleans  and went on to his 35 year career as a longshoreman and diesel mechanic with the International Longshoreman's Association.  Wayne had a strong work ethic and loved  his jobs at Sealand, Maersk and Ceres Gulf. His ILA friends were his second family.  

Wayne met and married the Love of his life, Pam (Walker) Strecker, while both working in the maritime industry in New Orleans. This past June, they celebrated their 28th wedding anniversary  and 30 years together. 

Wayne was a loving son, brother, husband, uncle  and great friend to so many others.  He was a  generous and compassionate man,  helping many friends and strangers needing help.   

Wayne and Pam lived in Pearl River for many years and moved in 1995 to Gulfport, MS, making it home for the last 21 years. Wayne loved his friends, family and ILA family  and will be fondly remembered and greatly missed.

Wayne is survived by wife Pamela (Walker) Strecker of Gulfport, MS.,  siblings,  Glen (DeAnn) Strecker, Sherrie (Strecker) McEwen, Mark (Ann Marie) Strecker, David (Robin) Strecker and Eric (Chris) Strecker   of the Slidell area.     In-Laws Liz Walker and Charles Billings of Vermont, Susan Walker and Forest Golder of R.I. and Bill and Loretta Walker of NH.   Wayne is also survived by his favorite Aunt Mary Strecker of Slidell  and many nieces and nephews on both Wayne and Pam's family.     Wayne treated them ALL like a DAD   even unrelated friends.    Wayne's special friend and caregiver, Susan (Furtado) Staples had a special place in his heart.     

Wayne is predeceased by his father, Jack, mother, Evelyn, both maternal and paternal grandparents  and many others dear to his heart.

Funeral services will be held at Honaker Funeral Home, 1751 Gause Blvd West, in Slidell, on Friday, July 29, 2016, at 1:00pm. Friends may visit at the funeral home on Friday beginning at 11:00am. Burial will be in Forest Lawn Cemetery.