91, died peacefully at home on February 13, 2021 with his family by his side.
Wayne was born on November 14, 1929 in Springfield, Ohio, to the late Rea and Blanche Corder. He had four sisters: Gladys, Thelma, Beverly and Charlotte.
The family moved to Arizona in the 1940s. Wayne’s love of running began early in life and he graduated from Tucson High in 1947 on a scholarship from the University of Arizona. During high school, Wayne met the love of his life, Ruth Lord. The couple married in 1950 and raised three beloved daughters, Betty, Sharon and Janet, over the 70 years together.
Wayne graduated from UofA and began teaching biology, exercise, coaching and cross country teaching at John Spring Junior High School and Palo Verde High School. He loved mentoring and working with young people and was affectionately referred to by his students as a “Coach Corder”, while his colleagues referred to him as a “Gentleman Coach” because of his friendly and professional demeanor. Wayne’s years of teaching and coaching earned him numerous awards and recognitions throughout his career, including Cross Country Coach of the Year in 1983, Arizona High School Track Coaches Hall of Fame in 1988, and Office of Public Hall of Fame in 1999 Instruction.
Wayne enjoyed his love of the outdoors in the summer and after his retirement as a ranger in Yellowstone National Park, Saguaro National Park, and Arapaho National Forest in Colorado. He and Ruth loved those times, exploring all 50 states and traveling the world. They were members of El Camino Baptist Church for many years, which resulted in wonderful experiences and lifelong friendships.
.
Comments are closed.