Wayne Edward Singleton, age 80 Yanush, OK, passed away at his home on March 31, 2025.

Wayne was born in Durant, OK. He was a graduate of Caddo High School. He then attended Southeastern State College, where he was awarded bachelor's and master's degrees in math and science.

Wayne spent 10 years as a teacher at Hartshorne High School, where he was a fierce supporter of public education. He was named Teacher of the Year in 1972. He served the professional organizations of Hartshorne Association of Classroom Teachers, Oklahoma Educators Association, and National Educators Association. He was instrumental in lobbying in Washington, DC for the creation of the US Department of Education.

Wayne left education to pursue a career in insurance for more financial security. He spent the last 46 years specializing in cancer policies and very much enjoyed helping clients with their claims.

As a side hustle, Wayne served Oklahoma high schools and colleges as a basketball official for 30 years.  Because of his experience and expertise, he was appointed as an evaluator for new referees. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame by the Oklahoma Officials Association in 2011. He was very proud of this honor and has given back to the organization by purchasing jackets for Hall of Fame inductees for the last 15 years.

Wayne loved fishing, shopping on Amazon, spending time with family and extended family, going out to eat and having lengthy conversations. He had a sharp sense of humor and enjoyed people's laughter.

Wayne is survived by his wife of 59 years, Sherry Booker Singleton of the home, son, Wesley Singleton, and his wife, Mary Beth, of Edmond OK, daughter, Melonie Parish, and her husband, David, of McAlester, OK, grandson, Tony Parish, and his partner, Toni Hendrix, of Canadian, OK, grandson, Josh Parish, and his partner, TyAnn Marshall, of McAlester, OK, grandson, Marcus Parish, and his wife, Rachelle, of McAlester, OK, grandson, Dallas Parish, and his wife, Lauren, of Fort Liberty, NC, granddaughter, Abbie Parish Borrenkott, and husband, Zac, of Portsmouth, VA, granddaughter, Molly Singleton Fain, and husband, Parker, of Oklahoma City, OK, granddaughter, Chloe Singleton, of Oklahoma City, OK, nine great grandchildren including Kathern Parish, Kimberlyn Parish, Tylee Marshall, Aria Parish, Jaxon Parish, Everett Parish, Charlie Parish, Ava Fain and Brady Fain.

Wayne was preceded in death by his mother and stepfather, Helen and Simon Phillips, of Durant, OK, grandparents, Finus and Minnie Phillips, of Durant, OK, brother, Dannie Phillips, of Durant, OK and son, Steven Singleton, of Ormond by the Sea, FL.

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DATE OF SERVICES: 02:00 PM Saturday, April 5th, 2025
PLACE OF SERVICES: North Ward Elementary School, Hartshorne, Oklahoma
OFFICIATING:

CONDOLENCES MAY BE SENT TO THE FAMILY BY EMAIL TO: BROWNS@ATOKA.NET.  PLEASE REFERENCE THE NAME OF THE DECEASED IN YOUR CORRESPONDENCE
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to continue Wayne's legacy honoring the hall of fame inductees of the Oklahoma Officials Association. Please send donations to:
Terry Conder
499 Treaty Rd
Calera, OK 74730

ARRANGEMENTS UNDER THE DIRECTION OF
BROWN'S FUNERAL SERVICE - ATOKA, OK