Darrell "Wayne" Early was born February 6, 1949, in Woodlake Ca, and left this world at his home in Elkland Mo. on April 11, 2024.

He was the middle son of five siblings and one adopted sister. Wayne was a veteran of the Vietnam war, who joined the army at 17 with his father's permission. Wayne loved to fish and would often let family and friends fish in his pond, as long as they agreed to "catch and release" the fish they caught. He was a self-made mechanic and was always tinkering with cars, motorcycles and lawn mowers. He loved to mow and could be seen mowing his six acres every week when he was able. Wayne was a proud father of three children, and the grandfather and great grandfather of numerous children.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Arlena Mae (Eden) Early; his sisters, Martha Faye Garcia and Melanie Ann Early; his brother, David Merle Early; his father, Merle Hinton Early; and his adopted son, Brian Lee Early.

He leaves behind his son, Daniel Early and daughter-in-law, Brandy; his daughter, Robyn Early; the mother of his children, Cecilia Early; his sisters, Joyce Counterman and Carroll Meier; grandchildren, Cloe Paige Early, Bryton Nicolas Early, Joseph Michael Adkins, Hayden Charles Early, Brynn Logan Henry; and great grandchildren.

He was the person who was always there when you needed him. He loved to make people laugh, and he will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him for who he was.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Midwest Cremation and Funeral Services of Springfield, MO.