Wayne Elton Esping

Wayne Elton Esping, aka POP, POPA, age 76, went to be with his family and Lord on May 3, 2023. Wayne was born April 11, 1947 in Manhattan, Kansas to Quinton Leroy Esping and Ruth Elizabeth Bjorling Esping. He grew up on a farm in Leonardville, Kansas, with a heritage deeply rooted in the Swedish culture. Wayne was preceded in death by his parents and his younger brother, Wesley Esping, 2012, resident of Olsburg, Kansas and through the miscarriage of his son, Michael, 1973. His sister, Wanda Esping, lives in Rock Island, Illinois.
Wayne was stationed in Long Beach, California where he met and married Joyce Boegel and had his first daughter, Dani Covelli, recently now a resident of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Dani is married to Mossimo " Max" Covelli and has 2 daughters, Maddison and Morgenne. After serving 3 tours in Vietnam, 1966-1969, Wayne was discharged from the Navy to be with his daughter when Joyce unexpectedly passed away just 2 months after giving birth to Dani Alicia Joyce. Joyce's parents, Vince & Maxine Boegel continued to be a part of his life and they raised all of his children as their grandchildren.
Wayne married Viola "Jolie" Nevares on January 17, 1970. They have 4 children. Patrick Wayne Esping, resident of Roswell, New Mexico, lives with his wife Sarah and their 3 children, Jadyn, Patrick Jr and Megan. Patrick's older children are Brandon, Brianna, Isabelle and Sabrina. Patrick has 4 grandchildren. Wayne's daughter Jill Marshall, lives in Georgetown, Texas with her husband, Paul and their children Quinton and Regan. Wayne's youngest daughter Noelle lives in Jarrell, Texas. Wayne and Jolie raised Noelle's 4 children, Lyndon, Noah, Loralei and Neeley Esping, in Georgetown, Texas. Wayne's youngest son, Robert Wayne Esping, lives in Albuquerque, New Mexico with his wife Elizabeth. They have Julia, Caleb, Rebecca, Tyler, and Jaxon with two grandchildren and one on the way. Wayne and Jolie raised their children in Southern California and one year in Kansas. He loved the sunny shores of Orange County! They lived in New Mexico and Wisconsin for a bit but finally settled in Georgetown, where they could be around most of their grandchildren.
Wayne graduated from Riley County High School class of 1965 in Leonardville, Kansas. He won top science awards for his advanced curiosity of technology and building a computer. He then went to Kansas State and as proud as he was to be a Wildcat, he felt compelled to serve his country. He proudly enlisted in the US Navy and did 3 tours in Vietnam, 1966-69. Wayne loved to learn new things so his careers ranged from military, to insurance, sales, home builder, IRS, FEMA and being a top producer at Dell Technologies. At Dell, he was assigned to work on a special computer order for President George Bush, which led to his invitation and attendance to the 2001 Presidential Inauguration which was one of the highlights of his life. He was also able to visit Washington DC as part of the Honor Flight Austin, another highlight. He would always get teared up at anything USA - he loved this country fiercely. More recently, he continued to dapple in a variety of companies that he could work from home, on the computer and on the phone. He was a hard worker and wasn't afraid to try new things and enjoyed a challenge. Even up to his passing, he was convinced he would be going back to work and had interviews lined up at the time of his health issues.
Wayne was a hard working, caring person. He was a giver and a fixer, a jack of all trades. He had an adventurous spirit, sparkling personality and always a smile on his face, maybe a scotch and a cigar in his hands. He was involved in the Knights of Columbus, member of the VFW and a huge supporter of all things for Veterans. He would give you the shirt of his back and throw in a cold beer! He loved to see the smiles he brought to people, young and old, when he dressed as Santa during the holidays. He loved his country, his God, his family and mostly his beloved wife, Jolie. He loved to spoil her and his last words were asking his kids to take care of her. He will be extremely missed and leave a hole in our hearts. He was so proud to be a veteran and he was proud of his grandchildren. They were his pride and joy. Cheers "Skol" to Wayne, Pop, Popa, Santa, Wildcat, US Navy Yeoman. We all love you and miss you already.
Wayne's visitation and rosary will be Thursday, May 11th, 6-8pm at The Gabriel's Funeral Chapel, Georgetown, Texas. His funeral mass will be at St. Helen Catholic Church, where he was a parishioner, Friday, May 12th (the birthday of Jolie's dad, Demetrio Nevares), 10am. Burial immediately following at Our Lady of the Rosary Cemetery and Prayer Gardens, 330 Berry Lane, Georgetown, Texas. Light reception hosted by Jolie's prayer group, at the St. Rita Center at St Helen's Church, in the gym.
In lieu of flowers, Wayne requested donations be made to St. Helen Catholic School St. Nicholas Wish Bag. 2700 E University, Georgetown, Texas 78626. He used to visit the school as Santa so it was dear to his heart that every child had a good Christmas.