Wallace Wayne Backman

Wallace Wayne Backman, 85, of Louisville, Kentucky entered into glory to be with his Lord and Savior on Sunday, April 21, 2024. 

Born in Topeka, Kansas, to Ethel and Wallace Backman, Wayne grew up in the small rural town of Home, Kansas where he completed his early education in a two-room school. Wayne moved to Chicago to attend North Park College and graduated with an associate’s degree. He met the love of his life, Janet Furniss, while working at a candy packaging factory at ages 16 and 18. Their “sweet” beginnings led to dating and an engagement over the next three years as Wayne left for officer candidate school and Navy flight training. He was then commissioned as an Ensign. After he received his wings, Wayne and Janet were married in 1960. 

Wayne and Janet had two children, Pattie and Steven. Their family traveled and moved over ten times throughout his Naval career. Even though his work required many months on the ship, Wayne was a devoted and loving father.  When he was deployed, he wrote home daily. When Wayne was home, he was engaged and tirelessly served his family. He was a faithful husband and father, making every effort to teach his children about Jesus. His love for God was made evident by his devotion to his marriage and family. With every move, the Backmans quickly joined and were active members of their local church. 

Wayne had a twenty-one year career as a Naval officer. He served as a pilot on five different naval cruises, with eight-hundred and thirty carrier landings, and one emergency ejection. He completed a Bachelor of Science degree at the Naval War College, and later, a Master’s degree from George Washington University. He was a member of the Officers’ Christian Fellowship where his faith was strengthened and he was an encouragement to other men. 

After he retired from the Navy as a Commander, Wayne flew for Federal Express (FedEx) for twenty-one years. He retired at the age of 68. In their retirement, the Backmans moved to Louisville, Kentucky. They enjoyed fifteen years living on a little farm next to their daughter Pattie, and their son-in-law, Tom, and their five grandchildren. They were also blessed to be near their son, Steve, and their daughter-in-law, Trish, and their two grandchildren. Wayne spent those years with his grandchildren, Morgan, Christian, Samuel, Cameron, Emily, Gracie, and Abbie. He was affectionately called “Bumpa” by his grandchildren and all their friends. 

Wayne could often be found in his beloved workshop. It was filled with his projects and plenty of sawdust. He tinkered on just about everything! His favorite projects were toys for his grandchildren, including wooden swords and even a two-story treehouse, complete with a pirate flag and zipline. Wayne used his handy-man skills towards checking off his “honey-do list” but also to serve others with whatever needs arose. 

At Southeast Christian Church, Wayne served as a deacon and was a committed member for twenty-five years. He served on the board at “A Woman’s Choice” Crisis Pregnancy Center (now known as BsideU for Life). He also volunteered for LifeBridge, delivering donated furniture and home goods to those in need. Wayne was active in a weekly Bible study, forming deep friendships that have lasted for years. Also, Wayne and Janet met with numerous couples as marriage mentors offering encouragement and counsel.

In 2014, Wayne and Janet moved from their beloved farm to a quaint white-brick cottage in Pewee Valley, Kentucky. He continued to tinker in a “new” workshop and work on a pond that needed plenty of upkeep. During this time, they became great-grandparents, welcoming Noah, Junie, and Will into the mix (children of Morgan and Jason). The great-grands adored their Bumpa and visits to Pewee Valley. Bumpa showed them how to feed the fish, “drive” the old Volkswagen Beetle, and pushed them on the swing that hung from the tree overlooking the pond. 

Ten years ago, Wayne and Janet began attending Third Avenue Baptist church, where they’ve been dearly loved as some of the few members with white hair. Wayne served on the welcome team, passing out bulletins up until his last Sunday attending church. At the annual Men’s Retreat, Wayne stayed up well past midnight playing games, enjoying the company of the young men, and happily slept in a bunk bed.

Wayne was cherished, not for his many accolades, but for his humility and servant’s heart. He is known for how he loved the Lord, his wife, and his family. He and Janet read through the Bible together, cover to cover, fourteen times. They spent time in prayer, every morning, methodically going through the list of requests. As they saw the Lord answer prayers, Wayne and Janet would cross-off the requests, and add new ones to the list. 

“‘And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” Mark 12:30-31 

Wayne didn’t live a perfect life (though his grandchildren would argue he was as close as you can get), but he lived in a way that truly reflects these verses. He worked hard to serve others, loved well, and trusted God’s grace shown perfectly through Jesus to cover his shortcomings. He lived in light of the hope of the Gospel, the “good news”, that those who repent of their sins and trust in Jesus alone, receive God’s free gift of salvation. Nothing separates those who trust in Jesus, from God’s love. Wayne’s faith has finally been made sight. Last Saturday night, Wayne went to sleep next to his treasured Janet, and awoke Sunday morning, in glory, with his Savior. 

Visitation will be held at The Chapel in the Woods, 1407 Moser Road, Louisville, KY 40299, on Monday, April 29th from 10:00 am-12:30 pm. Funeral will immediately follow at 12:30 pm. Graveside service will take place at Floydsburg Cemetery, 5600 Old Floydsburg Road, Crestwood, KY 40014 at approximately 2:30 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in honor of Wayne Backman to Reaching and Teaching International Ministries. 

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