Wayne A. LaFollette Sr.

Wayne Allen LaFollette, Sr., 77, of Capon Springs, West Virginia, passed away on February 13, 2026, after a life defined by hard work, a love of the outdoors, and deep devotion to his family.

Born on November 19, 1948, to Wilbur Asbury "Pete" LaFollette and Estella Virginia Orndorff, Wayne was raised in Capon Springs and never really left-because there was nowhere else he'd rather be. His hunting buddies called him "Mountain Man," a nickname he earned honestly. He knew the mountains by heart, loved being outside in every season, and could fix just about any vehicle, especially his treasured Wild Plum–colored 1955 Chevy truck.

Wayne worked for 43 years at Duncan Brothers Tire Company and was known for his steady work ethic and practical know-how. As a young man, he also knew how to enjoy a good time-sometimes walking all the way to Wardensville to meet friends and occasionally getting into a little mischief, including keeping "borrowed" golf-course drinks cold in the creek at Teaberry Hollow.

He met the love of his life, Kitty Lou Mongold, when she was sixteen. They married two years later, in 1968, and built a life together rooted in family and community. He was a devoted father to Teresa Lynn Largent, Wayne Allen LaFollette Jr., and Tony Randall LaFollette, Sr., and he helped build the local fire station, quietly giving back to the place that shaped him.

While he loved his children deeply, Wayne's greatest joy was his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. His seven grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren brought him endless pride and laughter.

Wayne was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers Stanley Randolph LaFollette and Thomas Michael LaFollette; and his brother Theo Junior LaFollette, who died in childhood. He is survived by his wife, Kitty; his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews; and his siblings Roland Leon LaFollette, Frances Louise LaFollette, and Shirley Ann LaFollette.

Wayne lived simply, worked hard, and loved deeply. He will be greatly missed.

A funeral service will be held at Loy-Giffin Funeral Home & Crematory on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, at 1:00 PM. Officiating will be Pastors Susie Largent & Michael Evans. Interment will follow in the Hebron Cemetery in Yellow Spring, WV.

The family will receive friends from 11:30-1:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Capon Springs Volunteer Fire Company, PO Box 366, Capon Springs, WV 26823 or the Capon Springs Hunt Club, C/O Alan Brill, 5864 Carpers Pike, Yellow Spring, WV 26865.