John Michael Wayne

Other than taste in motorcycles, martial arts, quest for knowledge, and music, Johnny and I couldn´t have been more different. We had different upbringings and politically were exact opposites. But for about 10 years I can say that he was one of my very best friends, if not my best friend. We hung out all the time and had many adventures overseas and here in the states. We had multiple lifetimes-worth of fun. Our community in the Marine Raiders, people die. We lose a lot of great young men. Overseas and stateside. For many reasons this one hurts the most. It feels like part of me, part of my life died with him. Life isn´t fair. And there is gonna be pain and loss. This is a perfect example that if you got PALS, cherish them. If ya´ll got issues, patch things up. Don´t let the sun set on a jacked up friendship. If a man ever even has one true friend his whole life then he´s fortunate. Being John´s friend made my life exponentially more awesome. I love him like a brother. And will continue to "Be Me.." as JW used to always say, "hey man. Just be yourself. Be you. It´s good enough..".
I will never forget this man. And the friendship that helped shape me into the man I am now.
Semper Fidelis/ Spiritus Invictus
- Sgt Dane VanMeter. USMC Raider.

My thoughts and prayers are with John's family this next week. I grew up with his mom Kitty and although I never had the privilege of meeting John, I know he grew up in a loving family. Thank you for your esteemed service to our country John. We are forever grateful.

Michael,
I thought of you all day on Memorial Day, remembering the play days with Leisha, Kayla and Molly. I wish life would have went differently for you. But I know you will watch and protect your mom, dad and Molly, as I know they miss you everyday.

Just learning of this today. I served with Wayne in the USMC and was at the language school with him, also studying Arabic. I won´t lie. We were not the best of friends-he actually punched me in the face once-but I respected him. He had been studying MMA legitimately and could have likely done much worse, but chose not to. We were brothers. I also recall plenty of other good times with him and some other Marine buddies in our platoon at DLI. Heck, he was there with me on my 21st birthday drinking down in Monterey with another friend. Always had an infectious smile and what was once referred to as an `animal magnetism.´ I got out after 5 years, but am in awe of what he accomplished in his career. The loss for the world saddens me greatly. You´re worth 50 punches in the face, John, and I mean that. Rest in peace. Semper Fi - Daniel S

A warrior to the core, whom I was honored to serve with.
Always beside you, brother.

I saw John a handful of times around RISD, but I didn´t formally meet him until we both ended up at the same bus stop to New York. Although our conversation was brief, John was so easy to talk to; a super interesting and well rounded person. When I asked him what he was going to do in New York, he said he was visiting his sister for her birthday. John possessed a sort of magnetism that you don´t come across often. He surely will be missed.

Our oldest child grew up with Michael thru high school. He was always a quiet, well mannered kid who everyone liked. His death is a shock to all who knew him.

As the daughter of a Marine and an American we thank you for your service, and we extend our deepest condolences to all who loved you. While you still had a whole life to live on Earth, God needed you more, but the time you spent here was profound and brave. Salute Semper Fi.

Prayers for his family, friends and fellow soldiers. Thank you for your service, sir.

John, today is Memorial Day and though you came back from that war you gave so much! You are no longer here in part because of your sacrifice to this country. Thank you, I wish you were here still, you were an asset! So many people still needed you. Till I see you on the other side friend!

Happy birthday, Mom

Love from Heaven

Michael Bear

You have my deepest condolences

A great stare and an amazing smile. Miss you.

Michael's furry family.

Special breed of individual to resonate with, inspire and motivate those who never even met them. Rest in power peacefully John Wayne. Thank you for everything. Deepest of sincere condolences to your family and friends.

What an absolute legend you were. They don´t build them like you anymore and the world is worse off without you. I hope you know you´re missed. Rest easy man.

You can not read through these remembrances and not realize what a loss this is. A loss for his family, and for his many friends old and new. My heart goes out to you. I never met John, but I sure wish I had.

The few. The brave. Godspeed.

He will be missed, My heart goes out to all those who were fortunate enough to have known and loved him.

Very special young man who lived an amazing life. May his memories be cherished and a comfort to his family and especially his mom and my friend Kitty.
Berni Wheeler

This is a beautifully written tribute to a remarkable, one-of-a-kind person who I felt honored to call my friend. My friendship with Michael (as we called him in high school, and as I continued to call him into adulthood) was one that I will hold dear for the rest of my days. I am truly devastated, and I hold you in my heart, Molly, Kitty, and Tony.

Our condolences for Cousin Michael. We are praying for peace of mind for all of the family and friends that Michael touched while his time on this earth. God Bless

Funk & Patterson Families from southern California

Tony,
I am so sad to hear of the loss of your son - words cannot express, but you and your family are in my prayers.
I never knew him but your son epitomizes what it means to be a U.S. Marine.
From one to another - Semper Fi, Marine!

Kitty, Tony and Molly,

I'm sad to have not met JMW but his character and accomplishments don't surprise me knowing both his parents as I do. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time and hope for nothing but good memories for you all. Love you both.

Kitty, Tony and Molly,

I'm sad to have never met JMW but knowing his parents the way I do, nothing about JMW's character surprises me. You all have my thoughts and prayers and hope for nothing but good memories. Love you both.

Our deep sympathies to Michael´s family and friends.

Carol and Rick Lewis

Thank you for your service John Michael Wayne! Thank you for service to our country and the world. You fought a hard fight on this Earth. Now you are resting in the arms of our Father God Almighty and His one and only Son Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. Heaven is our destination. I pray for your friends and your loved ones to find strength, comfort and peace through their most difficult time.

Never Above You
Never Below You
Always Beside You

Rest easy JWayne

Thank you for your service Staff Sergeant Wayne.
RIP. You wont be forgotten.
MS/3Webster 73/77

Always beside you brother!

RIPGOD BLESS

Micheal was a student of mine at Valley Park Elementary. I remember it as if it was yesterday. He was always quietly focused on his art work. Working away, coming to ask me questions. Such a shining star and beautiful boy. The memories of Micheal in the art room has stayed with me for these several years. Thank you Micheal. You were among those who made those years in my life magical. Teri Keegan-Castrop

Wow. I didn´t even know him but clearly an amazing human. So sorry for his loss but so happy he walked this earth.

I don't know this person at all. I came across his obituary quite by accident.

My DEEPEST condolences to his family. He sounded like an awesome human being.

Prayers and blessings to all that loved him.

Tony, Kitty and family,

Mike and I were saddened to hear about your son's passing. We pray that many precious memories will bring comfort at this tender time. Praying for you all.
Mike and Nina Thomas

Tony & Family - I am so sorry to hear of John's passing. I did not know John but this beautifully written obituary describes a man that led from the front, loved his country and loved his family. Tony - my prayers for you and your family during this time.

Kitty, Molly & Tony, I'm so sorry for your loss. My daily prayers are meant to life you up, provide you strength to get through this difficult time. One of my favorite bible verses is Psalm 116:15. I hope it brings you comfort. Love to all. Tim

Peace to the Wayne family
Terrie and Jeff Winslow

From one USMC family to yours- No one stronger, no one more dedicated, no one more respected.
Rest in peace brother. Semper fi and may God bless your loved ones. What an honorable man! God's speed. Marie (named because Marine would have sounded to weird for a girl!) THANK YOU JWM.

He was a class act from the day I met him. Extremely humble and selfless. RIP HERO

RIP Marine. See ya when I get there.

John Wayne was a great guy. One of the those dudes you only hear about. I´m glad to have known him and hope he continues on where ever he is now. Much love and respect JDub... Rusty

God Bless brave marine

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. Semper Fi

As my son-in-law SSgt Joe Galvan was about to leave on deployment several years ago, he told me not to worry because "John Wayne and Jesus" were going with him. Thanks for bringing him back safely!

My condolences to his family.

RIP JMW you have served your country with honor.
Semper Fi
Msgt Ernest Lauderback Retired

Very sorry for your loss. Rest In Peace brother.

Semper Fi Brother. Rest easy.

I didn't know John Michael Wayne except through his aunt MJ. She always speaks so highly of him. Now seeing his obituary, I understand why. May he rest in peace. Semper fidelis brother Marine!

John, will treasure the short amount of time we knew each other. You were one of a kind, world lost a very solid soul, one of the brightest smiles in the room.

-CV

Semper Fi brother. We have the watch. Rest easy Marine

John "The Truth" Wayne RIP, thanks for always demonstrating physical, mental, and moral courage. Although your physical vessel is no longer here, your legacy lives on through all who knew you or of you. God bless you and your kin. We will keep fighting, Semper Fi. Angelbert Munoz

Condolences are sent with a healthy dose of love to the Family and friends of John. Rest easy and in peace. God Bless you all. The parents (Pop and Mom Cartwright) of SSgt Charles Cartwright. They are telling stories together.

Tony, Kitty, Molly, So sorry for your loss. Our hearts go out to you at this time of sorrow. May God be with you all. With Love, Couisin Helen Elaine and Bud

Michael-
It seems insignificant in the grand scheme of things, but Stephen and I are so thankful for the memories we made on 121st with you and your family. We always kept up with you and your heroic service as the years went on. Thank you for serving this country so bravely. You´re a hero and will be missed.

Michael was a bright light - wildly creative, incredibly funny and always uniquely him. Rest in peace, my friend.

To My Beach Boy...

You will always be the creative, daring, and passionate soul I've loved for 39 years... and will miss forever.

Peace and love to you sweet Michael.

Thank you for your service
May you Rest In Peace

Kitty and Tony, What a life he had. I wish I could have known him. Thank you for his remarkable service to our country.

John Wayne you will be so missed and already are. Nick loved you so much and was so proud to be your friend and share your insanely amazing stories. So many good times we all had together. As selfish as we all are for wanting you both here with us it brings me comfort to know you have each other again. I will always look at my headless horseman tattoo and think of you for our unintentionally planned matching tattoos. Until we meet again my friend Rest In Peace.

You had such a sweet and unforgettable soul. I will miss talking with you as well as seeing your pieces that you were working on..Ride in Paradise and continue to watch over those that you held close to you. Until we meet again my dear friend.
LiveN Light to your family and all who knew you.

My deepest sympathy to you and the family. What an exceptional life he lead. May he rest in God´s loving embrace.

John Wayne will be greatly missed amongst us here in Providence. What a honor to have known him. Sincere condolences to every heart he´s ever touched

Our thoughts and prayers for the Wayne family.

Your love was genuine. You were too real and too unique for this world. I´m so thankful for your existence. I´m so thankful to have known you. Love you always Mr. Wayne

RIP Recon! We have the watch.
A brother from 1st Recon 1969.

I hope you've found your peace. Fair winds and following seas brother.

John was among the most intelligent and courageous Warriors I have ever had the privilege to walk alongside. He will be greatly missed.

John was my student in Painting and Drawing classes at MiraCosta College in 2014. He was a force to behold with a paint brush as well as any form of expression. Not only did he capture my attention as a student, but also as a friend in the years that followed. He was simultaneously dazzling, rebellious, challenging , outrageous and charming .

I wrote his recommendation letter for RISDI, and as John asked, it was honest and real. I am open to share it with his family if interested.

I miss my one of a kind, unique and beautiful friend. My heart is with his family and loved ones for this immeasurable loss. His memory is cast in gold forever.

I look forward to the San Diego memorial where I and hope to meet you all.

Photos from May 2014

I´ll always miss our long in depth talks brother about life and the Marine Corps. I remember me and you training BJJ in 29 Palms and the hell we raised. I love you bro. Semper Fidelis

John your legacy will live on forever and earthly body will be miss but just know you will always be in our hearts till I see you on the other side

What a fantastic life summary. Patriotic, brave, fearless and yet a sensitive artist as well. So very sorry for your loss. Please accept our condolences.

A Man
A Marine
A Gun Fighter
A Brother
A Warrior
A Recon Man
A Raider
A Man Amongst Men
A Dreamer
A Doer
A Team Mate
A Rider
A Free Spirit
His Spirit Will Live On!!!
Ride Fast Take Chances Brother!
Until we meet again!
To The Men!