Wayne Staggs

Wayne Douglas Staggs met his Lord and savior, Jesus Christ, January 21, 2025, surrounded by his family and loving wife of almost 53 years, Bonnie Jean.
Wayne was born in Covington, Kentucky on May 25, 1954, the son of Jim and Jenny. He grew up in Northern Kentucky and was an older brother to Greg, Sharon and Eileen, who he loved very much. Some of his fondest memories during his childhood were times he and his brother, Greg, spent living with their grandmother in Covington – an amazingly kind and generous, first-generation American whose parents came from Germany. Lots of love, hugs, encouragement, liver and onions, limburger cheese and goetta - but most importantly, lots of love.
While attending Dixie Heights High School, Wayne would drive his Honda Super 90 after school to Florence to work at a gas station until closing and then go next door for his second job at the Florence Drive-In theater. That's where he met the love of his life, Bonnie, who was a single mother with two kids, Todd (6) and Beth (4). Wayne fell in love with Bonnie and her kids, and they were married on July 1, 1972. Wayne and Bonnie, or "Jean" as he would call her for 53 years, added two more children to the family – Shawn and Damian. The family moved to Burlington in 1976, and it's been their home ever since.
Wayne worked at Milacron in Cincinnati and was an axillary police officer with the Boone County Sheriff's Department until his lifetime dream came true when he was hired by the Florence Police Department November 14, 1976 – Badge #27. Wayne was a patrolman, detective, senior officer, range instructor and distinguished expert marksman, and served and protected the people of Florence, Kentucky for 30 years until his retirement in 2006. Rumor has it he still holds the record as the longest serving officer for the Florence Police Department.
After retiring from the FPD, Wayne started his second career, serving and protecting our Federal Courthouse in Covington, KY. He served for 19 years alongside an amazing band of brothers who were, likewise, retired law enforcement officers.
Wayne never met a stranger. He was humble, funny, quick-witted, a master storyteller, generous, kind, patient, wise and discerning. He was an incredible husband, telling everyone that "every day is still his honeymoon" with his wife, Bonnie. He was the best father one could hope for. He was the best friend – lending a hand to anyone in need. He loved Jesus and wasn't shy about sharing his faith, convictions and belief that everything he had was a gift from the Lord.
His relationship with Jesus Christ. His wife of almost 53 years, Bonnie Jean. His kids – Todd, Beth, Shawn and Damian. His grandchildren and great grandchildren. His family. His friends. These were the most important things in Wayne's life. And, as a 21-year season ticket holder, we can't forget his beloved Cincinnati Bengals.
Wayne was the ultimate others-first person. He would do anything for anyone. It's why he was loved by everyone who met him.
Wayne is survived by his wife, Bonnie Jean, his children Todd Marksberry (Nanita), Beth Mericle (John), Shawn Staggs and Damian Staggs. He is survived by 10 grandchildren – Amber Owens (Preston), Darryl Marksberry, Sarah Waters, Joel Mericle, Reagan Mericle, Noah Mericle, Trey Marksberry, Carly Roberts (DJ), Macy Harzan (John) and Casey Marksberry (Taylor), and 6 great grandchildren – Paxton Owens, Alanna Owens, Elliott Owens, Frankie Todd Roberts, Ridge Roberts and Howie Roberts, his brother, Greg Staggs, and sister, Eileen Price.
The viewing will be held Sunday, January 26, 2025 from 12:00-2:00 pm at Stith Funeral Home, 7500 U.S. Highway 42, Florence, KY, 41042. There will be a service held Monday, January 27, 2025 at 10:00 am at Florence Baptist Temple, 1898 Old Florence Pike, Burlington, KY, 41005 and the Burial will be directly afterwards at Highland Cemetery, 2167 Dixie Highway, Fort Mitchell, KY, 41017. Online condolences may be shared with the family at: www.stithfuneralhome.com