of Philip, South Dakota, died on Wednesday, September 18, 2002 at his home near Philip at the age of 90
Wayne Leo Fairchild was born November 1, 1911 in the log house on the homestead, twenty-seven miles northwest of Philip. He was one of nine children born to Mabel Grace (Wayne) and Shiloh B. Fairchild. It was a very dry year so Shy was in the Nebraska Sand Hills with their cattle at the time of the birth.
Wayne attended school in the country and graduated from the eighth grade. Money was hard to come by and Wayne didn’t much care about school so after a few months of high school, he returned to the country and helped with the work.
In the fall of 1936, Wayne met Ruth Sherwood. He was united in marriage to Ruth on September 4, 1938 in Aberdeen at the home of her sister, Edna Buswell. They headed out on their honeymoon to Maywood, Illinois in a borrowed car only to discover on their arrival that they weren’t really married, the license was from Haakon County and wedding in Brown County – it wasn’t legit. After that start, they shared sixty-four exciting and eventful years together. Three children were born, Kent, Bruce and Marsha, and all have been blessed to have shared in his life.
Wayne’s education was ongoing with hands on lessons in farming, ranching, and making a living off the land. Many a young man worked for Wayne over the years. Wayne had a great sense of adventure and he and Ruth traveled on many Agriculture tours over seas, as well as in the United States, with the Airstream Wally Byam Caravan.
Wayne is survived by his wife Ruth of Philip; two sons, Kent Fairchild and his wife Nina of Philip, South Dakota, and Bruce Fairchild and his wife Lois of Bothell, Washington; a daughter Marsha (Fairchild) Sumpter and her husband Bill of Philip; eight grandchildren; eighteen great-grandchildren; and one brother Clinton Fairchild of Chico, California.
Wayne was preceded in death by his parents; three sisters, Leah Fairchild, Mildred Vesaas, and Emma Patterson; and four brothers Jasper, Joe, Byron, and Russell.
Funeral services for Wayne Leo Fairchild, age 90, of Philip were held 10:00 a.m. Monday, September 23, 2002, at the American Legion Hall in Philip, with Pastor Don Lagge officiating.
Visitation was held 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Sunday at the Rush Funeral Home in Philip, and one hour preceding the services at the church.
Private family interment will take place on the Fairchild Ranch.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials directed to the Haakon County Prairie Transportation.
Funeral Services
10:00 a.m.
Monday, September 23, 2002
American Legion Hall in Philip