Wayne Leroy Southworth, 98, of Prudenville passed away on Sunday January 28, 2024 at Meridian Acres Assisted Living in Sanford.
Wayne was born on December 16, 1925 in Caro, Michigan. He was raised by his grandparents, Burt and Grace Southworth, in the thumb area of Michigan. Then moved to Pontiac and later to Prudenville. Wayne served as a Cpl in the Army during the Korean War. He was married on March 20, 1954 in Reese, Michigan to Arlene Bittner. He owned and operated a moving and storage company along with driving school bus for Caro Community Schools before moving to Pontiac. He worked for Stevens Moving and Storage as manger of the Pontiac office. The couple moved to Prudenville from Pontiac in 1972 where they owned and operated Wood’s Hardware. Wayne also drove school bus for Houghton Lake Community Schools for many years. After retiring Wayne stayed busy working for Autumn Valley Vault Company, Denton Township Cemetery, and was always busy. Wayne was a member of St. John Lutheran Church, Past President of Houghton Lake Chamber of Commerce, former member of the Denton Township Fire Department, and Past Commander of the Caro VFW Post.
Surviving Mr. Southworth are his two sons, Scott (Sue) Southworth of Prudenville, and Charles (Debbie) Pscholka of Ohio; daughter, Kathy (John) Schmidt of Sanford; five grandchildren, Lisa, Kirsten, Brandon, Logan, and Morgan; seven great grandchildren, Olivia, Travis, Katie, Lincoln, Grayson, Harper, and Elly; several nieces and nephews. Wayne was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Arlene Southworth; son, John Paul Southworth; and one sister, Madeline.
There will be a visitation for Wayne Leroy Southworth from 3:00pm to 7:00pm Friday February 2, 2024 at Christler Funeral Home, Prudenville Chapel. Interment will be in Denton Township Cemetery, Prudenville. Memorial contributions in memory of Wayne are asked to be directed to Denton Township Fire Department. Christler Funeral Home, Prudenville Chapel is serving the family. Condolences can be sent to the family online at www.christler-holdship.com
