Lawrence Wayne Estes

Lawrence "Wayne" Estes passed away on Friday, August 30, 2024. Wayne was born on December 18, 1938, in Sweetwater, Texas, to Lawrence "Alvin" Estes and Bernice Marie McKee Merritt. He attended first grade in Alpine, Texas, before his family moved to Blackwell, Texas, where he completed his schooling and graduated in 1958. During his school years, Wayne represented FFA in the state of Texas, where he had the opportunity to meet President Eisenhower. He also played basketball and football on a five-man team. After high school, Wayne attended Murray State College, where he studied artificial insemination and continued his education with several courses focused on soil nutrition and agricultural practices. Wayne had a deep understanding and passion for soil health, and he cared deeply about farming, ranching, and livestock, particularly sheep and cattle. In April 1961, Wayne moved to Milburn with his father and stepmother. On July 20, 1962, Wayne married Shirley Edna Russell at the Milburn Methodist Church, and together they built a life centered on farming, ranching, and community involvement. His career included operating cranes, constructing bridges, and hauling rock. He served as the mayor of Milburn around 1975 and was instrumental in establishing the Milburn Rural Water and Sewer System through efforts with O'Donnell in Oklahoma City. Wayne had a love for gardening and was known for growing and generously sharing his produce. He took great joy in teaching his grandchildren and great-grandchildren how to garden and care for the land. Wayne loved sitting in his garden, watching it grow, and caring for his baby chickens, turkeys and guineas. He was a hard worker, dedicating his days from sunrise to sunset until a fire accident on October 3, 2023, slowed him down. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who imparted valuable life lessons on stewardship and the importance of family. Wayne was preceded in death by his parents, Lawrence "Alvin" Estes and Bernice Marie McKee Merritt; sister-in-law, Sandra Estes. Wayne is survived by his wife, Shirley Russell Estes of the home; daughter, Sharron K. Bevill; grandchildren, Acey Delton Dean and spouse Brittney Caldwell, Lance Wayne Bevill and spouse Kincaid Bevill, Delaney Kay Bevill and fiancé Calvin Wayne McBride; and great-grandchildren, Carter Wayne McBride, Kinslee Bevill, Scarlett Bevill, Kayden Dean, Rose Dean, Sawyer Dean, and Parker Dean; brothers, Tommy Estes of Mertzon, TX and Larry Dean Estes and wife Rita (Russell) Estes of Wichita, Kansas. Wayne will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. Funeral services to honor and celebrate the life of Lawrence Wayne Estes will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, September 3, 2024 at DeArman-Clark Funeral Home. Family hour will be Monday, September 2 from 4:00 - 8:00 p.m. Following the service there will be a private family burial in Milburn at the Estes Family Cemetery. Those serving as pallbearers will be Kayden Dean, Acey Dean, Lance Bevill, Randy Bevill, Chris Estes, Landon Estes, Calvin McBride. Arrangements were made under the direction and care of DeArman-Clark Funeral Home.

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Lawrence Wayne Estes

December 18, 1938 - August 30, 2024