A Life Lived Well…
Wayne was born on October 19, 1930 in Carthage Missouri to parents Joy L. and Velma Ortloff. During his formative years Wayne was educated in Carthage, joined the Masonic Lodge 855 with his father and learned to repair, fly and love airplanes. Graduating from Carthage High School in 1948, Wayne made the decision to attend the University of Arkansas to obtain a Chemical Engineering degree. He was a staunch U of A supporter and returned often to support the Razorback football program and the University.
Following college graduation, he joined the US Air Force for basic and pilots training. During these military training years, he was reunited with a high school friend, Fredreka J. Hammett, who was attending SMU University in Dallas, Texas. They dated and married on September 11, 1954 in Carthage, Mo.
Following completion of military training, Wayne and Fredreka (“Freddie”) were assigned to active duty in England at Manston RAF Base in Kent where Lieutenant Wayne Ortloff achieved a lifelong dream as an Air Force officer and pilot.
During the next year in England, they celebrated the birth of their son Wayne Dale (“Dale”). Wayne and Freddie loved their military life and have forever enjoyed memories and enduring friendships of those very special years.
Upon their return to the USA and the Carthage, Mo. area, their daughter Joy Lynn was born in 1957. Following that birth Wayne was recruited to Neosho, Mo by Rocketdyne Corporation as an engineer working on rocket engine development and production for the US Military.
In 1973, Wayne became President of Teledyne Neosho for which he and Fredreka traveled throughout the world for business and pleasure. More incredible dreams achieved, and wonderful memories gained.
During the years at Rocketdyne and Teledyne, Wayne and Freddie purchased a large ranch outside of Neosho on which they lived, raised livestock, crops and their children with hard work, love and respect. Another dream achieved and so many cherished memories made.
In 2005, after retiring from Teledyne, they moved to Texas to continue their cattle ranching life, ultimately ending up residing on Lake Fork in Emory, Texas surrounded by family and friends. Again, creating more wonderful and enduring memories.
Wayne passed away at home in Emory with his family on December 31, 2023 survived by his loving wife Fredreka, son, Dale Ortloff and wife Shannon, daughter Joy Armstrong and husband Matthew, granddaughter Taryn Hallford and husband Jordan, granddaughter Jordan Gifford and husband Dayton as well as 2 great-grandchildren, Madilyn Hallford and West Gifford.
He will be loved and remembered forever in our hearts and prayers…
…A Life Lived Well and Finished Well.
A memorial service will take place on January 27, 2024 at 1:00pm at Park memorial cemetery and Mausoleum with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you contribute to your favorite charitable organization.
