Wayne Monroe Blodgett, Sr.

Wayne Monroe Blodgett Sr., 84, of Claude, Texas, passed away peacefully on December 28, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family. He was born on August 10, 1941, in Sheffield, Pennsylvania, the eldest child of a hardworking family rooted in faith, service, and community.

Viewing will be at 10:00 AM, Friday, January 2, 2025 at First Methodist Church in Claude prior to the funeral service at 11:00 AM. Interment will be in Claude Cemetery. Arrangements are by Boxwell Brothers Funeral Directors.

Wayne grew up in a tiny town in the heart of the Allegheny National Forest, where his boyhood was filled with hunting in the woods, working at his father’s gas station, building hot rods, and courting girls around town. He was raised Methodist—his grandfather was a minister—and his faith would remain a steady foundation throughout his life. His father owned a gas station, and his mother was a registered nurse, instilling in Wayne a deep respect for honest work and service to others. He shared his childhood with two brothers, Jim and Rusty, and a sister, Jane, all of whom survive him.

Wayne graduated from Sheffield High School in 1959. At his mother’s encouragement, he attended college for one semester before discovering that the classroom could not contain his restless spirit. He soon enlisted in the United States Navy, an experience he would later call the best time of his life. Serving aboard nuclear submarines, Wayne learned discipline, resilience, and technical skill—qualities that shaped the rest of his career. During long deployments, he spent months underwater with no communication, carrying home and family in his heart.

On August 25, 1962, Wayne married Kathy, the love of his life. Though they grew up in the same small town and didn’t recall knowing each other as children, a photograph later revealed them standing side by side at a mutual friend’s birthday party years earlier—a quiet hint that their paths were always meant to cross. They began dating in high school and married while Wayne was in the Navy, beginning a partnership that would span more than six decades.

After his naval service, Wayne and Kathy lived throughout the country as he worked as a field engineer for The Burroughs Corporation, helping automate the United States mail system. During these years, they welcomed two children: Wayne Monroe Blodgett Jr., born September 20, 1969, and Joan Blodgett, born January 27, 1972.

Eventually, Wayne felt the pull of home, and the family returned to rural Pennsylvania to raise their children among the forests of his youth. There, Wayne built a successful electrical contracting business and appliance store, while Kathy worked alongside him, keeping the books and running the store. Ever capable with his hands, Wayne built their family home himself, board by board. Their youngest son, John Blodgett, was born on December 3, 1977.

On September 20, 1979, after a long day at work, Wayne sat at his desk and realized he had missed his son Wayne’s tenth birthday. Troubled, he prayed for guidance, knowing something needed to change. The very next day, an old Navy friend called with an opportunity: a position at a new power plant in Texas offering steady hours, good pay, benefits, and time for family. Wayne took it as an answer to prayer. Two months later, the family moved to Claude, Texas, where Wayne began what would become a 28-year career with Excel Energy (then SPS). He retired in 2007.

In Texas, Wayne’s work ethic never faded. Beyond the power plant, he continued doing freelance electrical work throughout Claude—well into his 80s—helping neighbors with skill and generosity. In his 40s, determined to grow and adapt, Wayne put himself through an associate degree in business at Amarillo College, proving it’s never too late to learn.

Wayne lived life with curiosity and courage. He loved skiing, SCUBA diving, and sailing, and earned his private pilot’s license, proudly flying his family on sightseeing trips. After a work injury once left him with six months of recovery, Wayne used the time to write a novel, join a writer’s group, and explore a creative side many never knew he had.

His faith remained central to his life. A deeply religious man, Wayne often preached as a lay minister and was an active member of the United Methodist Church of Claude and Great Plains Western Church. He also served his community tirelessly—on the board of the Armstrong County Museum, as Commander of the American Legion, as a volunteer with the Boy Scouts, and through leadership at both the local and conference levels of the Methodist Church.

In retirement, Wayne and Kathy traveled widely and stayed civically engaged. Wayne discovered a love for community theater at the Gem Theater, where he built sets, performed on stage, won awards, and brought joy to audiences and fellow cast members alike.

Wayne endured profound loss with faith and grace. His beloved daughter, Joan, passed away in 2005, a sorrow he carried quietly and tenderly for the rest of his life.

Wayne is survived by his devoted wife, Kathy Blodgett; his son Wayne Blodgett Jr. and wife Tawnee of Claude, Texas; his son John Blodgett; five grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. He is also survived by his siblings Jim Blodgett and wife Doris, Rusty Blodgett and wife Cindy, and Jane Snyder and husband Jim.

Wayne Monroe Blodgett Sr. lived a life defined by faith, family, service, and craftsmanship. He built things that lasted—homes, businesses, communities, and most of all, a legacy of integrity and love. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who knew him.