Wayne Richard Carver, 86, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, formerly of Center Point, Iowa, passed away on Saturday, December 21, 2024, at Cottage Grove Place in Cedar Rapids. In agreement with his wishes, cremation has taken place. The family will greet friends from 2 - 4 p.m. on Sunday, December 29, 2024, at Murdoch Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Marion, Iowa. A Memorial Service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, December 30, 2024, at the funeral home, with Certified Celebrant, Suzanne Seigel Renner, officiating. Inurnment will follow at Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery in Cedar Rapids.
Wayne was born on December 6, 1938, in Center Point, the son of Verne and Alma (Biderman) Carver. He was a 1957 graduate of Center Point High School and went on to serve honorably in the United States Army from 1957-1961. On February 4, 1961, Wayne was united in marriage to Barbara Inez Benson in Center Point. To this union, two children were born, Cary and Cristin. Wayne first worked as a Truck Driver for Pepsi Cola for nine years. He then was employed by the City of Marion, as a Firefighter for the Marion Fire Department for 17 years, until he was medically retired. When he was not working as a Firefighter, and during his time off, Wayne worked as a Maintenance worker for the Marion Parks Department, in Oak Shade Cemetery, and also the Marion Water Department for five years. He couldn't slow down and later was employed as a Custodian for the Linn-Mar School District for 10 years. Somewhere during his work life, Wayne also enjoyed driving a Charter Bus for several years.
Wayne was a former Center Point Jaycees member. He enjoyed fishing, playing and watching golf, traveling, going to the casinos, and was a 500-card club member. During his earlier years, he loved to go dancing with his wife. Wayne's greatest joy was spending time with his family, especially fishing with his grandchildren and attending their activities. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.
Wayne is survived and lovingly remembered by his two children, Cary (Debi) Carver of Martelle, Iowa, and Cristin (Kevin) Karr of Center Point; four grandchildren, Justin (Rhiannon) Carver, Sara Carver, Grady Karr, and Maddie Karr (fiancé, Will Moritz); and a host of extended family members including in-laws.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Barbara Carver; sister, Darlene Thomas; and several sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law.
Memorials in Wayne's memory may be directed to the Marion Fire Department, the Arthritis Foundation at arthritis.org, or to the Alzheimer's Association at alz.org.
Please share a memory of Wayne at www.murdochfuneralhome.com under obituaries.