January 7, 1937 — February 9, 2026
Prairie Village
A Life of Partnership
Carolyn’s story really began in Emporia, where she met Wayne and his black Hudson Hornet. From their wedding in 1956 onward, they were a team. Whether they were moving for Wayne’s law school, raising their two sons, Scott and Mark, on the Hallmark Farm, Mission Hills and Lee’s Summit, Carolyn was the constant heart of the family.
Dedication and Work
Carolyn was a woman of quiet capability. She balanced a successful career in real estate and 25 years as an officer in a trucking company. Even after her formal retirement in 2002, she chose to stay active by working alongside Wayne as his legal secretary. She wasn’t someone who looked for the easy path; she valued hard work and staying involved in the family business.
The Family Historian
In her later years, Carolyn became the keeper of the family’s memories. She took great care in documenting their lives, publishing 20 books that captured everything from Wayne’s autobiography, travel, and family – including grandchildren, Kaitlyn, Clayton, and Taylor. She was also deeply proud of her family’s history of service, particularly the legacy of her cousin, Sgt. Harold Spatz.
A Life Well-Traveled
Over several decades, she and Wayne traveled to all seven continents. From the pyramids in Egypt to the Sydney Harbor Bridge, she saw the world, but she always found her way back to the people she loved most.
Carolyn lived a full and meaningful life. She was a daughter of Emporia, a professional, a traveler, and, above all, a devoted wife and mother .She spent her last years at Mission Chateau where she had many friends and loved by all. She leaves behind a legacy of stability, history, and a family that will miss her dearly.
She now joins Wayne to reunited and continue a new history together again.
Memorial Service
Thursday, February 19, 2026
2:00 – 3:00 pm (Central time)
Johnson County Funeral Chapel
11200 Metcalf Ave., Overland Park, KS 66210
Livestream
Obituary published by Johnson County Funeral Chapel & Memorial Gardens.
