Wayne E. Katz

Wayne E. Katz, 81, of Kansas City, MO passed away May 6, 2018. A visitation will be held from 1-3:00 p.m. followed by a 3:00 p.m. memorial service on Wednesday, May 9, at the Speaks Suburban Chapel, 18020 E. 39th St., Independence, MO. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Hope House or Lee’s Summit Cares/LAUNCH Scholarship Fund. Wayne was born August 2, 1936 in Kansas City, KS to Anthony “Tony” and Dorothy Grace (Hoyle) Katz. He graduated from Wyandotte High School in 1954. On August 2, 1958, he and Karol Austin were married in Warrensburg, MO. Wayne graduated from UCM with a BS Degree in Biology and a Master’s Degree in Secondary Education. He taught Biology and coached football at Baptiste Junior High thru 1967. In 1968, Wayne became the assistant principal at Smith-Hale Junior High. He became principal of Ervin Junior High in 1970, where he remained until he retired in 1990. Post retirement he worked with student teaching candidates at Northwest MO State. He fully retired to grandchildren, golf courses, family and friends. He and his wife traveled extensively with family, friends or just each other. They scheduled their vacations around their grandchildren’s school activities. He was preceded in death by his parents; and one sister, Judy Buckley. Wayne is survived by his wife of 59 years, Karol Katz; son, Kyle Katz and wife Kimberly; daughter, Kristin Gauert and husband Don; three grandchildren, Ryan Katz, Matthew Gauert and Grace Gauert; sister, Karen Wilkey; sister-in-law, Janis Barker; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Mary and Ray Markley; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Online condolences may be expressed at www.speakschapel.com (Arrangements: Speaks Suburban Chapel 816-373-3600)