Brig. General Wayne E. Schramm

Schramm, Wayne Everett, Brig. Gen., USAF Ret., 75, died Saturday, July 23, 2011. Born in Howard, South Dakota, on May 3, 1936, Wayne married Jean McClure on May 17, 1961. He is survived by his wife Jean, brother, Dr. Vern Schramm of New York, two daughters, Susan (Scott) Wilson of Chattanooga, Tenn., Judy (Wayne) Anderson of St. Petersburg, and eight grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Goldie Lee and Roger Schramm, sisters Carole Viebahn and Kay Schramm, and brother Dale Schramm. A proud graduate of South Dakota State University, Wayne was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in 1958. In the following 31 years, he completed assignments around the world specializing in communications operations. During his service, he earned a Masters in Aerospace Science from the University of Southern California, and he graduated from the National War College in 1976. He was promoted to Brigadier General and named Director of Command and Control, US Central Command at MacDill AFB in 1985. He retired in 1989, at the time serving as Vice Commander of the Air Force Communications Command. During his career, Wayne received numerous awards and decorations, including the Distinguished Service Medal, a Bronze Star, and a Vietnam Service Medal with four service stars. Affectionately known as "Big Wayne," he spent his time since retirement enjoying family and friends, and tinkering with electronics and model airplanes. He was an inventor and had obtained two U.S. patents. He loved golfing with friends at Mangrove Bay and had two career holes-in-one. He was an active member of First United Methodist Church. The family will receive friends Sunday, July 31, 3 to 6 p.m., at Anderson McQueen Funeral Home 2201 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. St. N. A military service will be held at 9 a.m., Monday, Aug. 1, at Bay Pines National Cemetery, followed by a memorial service at 11 a.m., at First United Methodist Church, 212 3rd St. N, St. Petersburg. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial gifts be made to FUMC St. Petersburg, or to the University of South Dakota Foundation, 815 Medary Ave., Brookings, SD, 57007.