Wayne Long

Mar 9, 2023 | Obituaries, Obituaries 2023 | 6 comments

Bernard “Wayne” Long passed away comfortably on March 3, 2023 at Kansas City Hospice House. He suffered a heart attack 10 days earlier and received amazing care from all the healthcare workers at St. Luke’s South.

He was born April 21, 1951 in Red Oak, Iowa. His parents were Vernon P. Long, an attorney and Ermabeth Smoley Long, a homemaker. Wayne’s deceased sister Margaret was 4 years older. Wayne graduated from Northwest Missouri State and traveled the Midwest collecting data for Dun & Bradstreet. That morphed into an underwriter position for Aetna Insurance. But what Wayne was best remembered for was his 25 years at Hall’s Menswear on the Plaza. He dealt with the kindest men and the most fastidious men! He shared his over the top stories from work at many social events he attended and that is why so many people sat next to him at parties! Wayne had a wry sense of humor and had the most sarcastic take on every subject.

With his partner/husband of 41 years, Craig Sole, they enjoyed decades of entertainment with seasons of Starlight Theater, Theater League, The KC Ballet, Heartland Men’s Chorus and fund-raisers galore. Every July Craig would attend the American Institute of Floral Design Symposium with Wayne in tow. While Craig attended classes Wayne sought out the Antique Districts for Staffordshire figurines and Majolica plates. After Wayne retired he opened a booth at The Glenwood Antique Mall so he could surround himself with all things antique.

Wayne had the biggest heart for animals especially their many pets throughout the years. Most recently the new rescue puppy a black chihuahua-dachshund mix named Virgil was often glued to his lap and watched tv with him. Law & Order: SVU was a favorite. His cooking prowess was one specialty, pumpkin pie, which he would bring to gatherings all 12 months. Craig’s family who became Wayne’s family looked forward to this specialty at the holidays.

He gained 2 brothers-in-law, Brian Sole and Eric Sole (Tanta) and a sister-in-law Kim Sole Grantham Lorenz (Mike), Kim’s 4 children, Dani Grantham Tabor (Jordan), Miles Grantham (Wylee), Aubrey Grantham Robinson (Dylan), Gardner Grantham (Kieran) and 6 great nieces and nephews. His pumpkin pie and sense of humor will be greatly missed!

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, April 23, 2023 at the Culinary Center 7920 Santa Fe DriveOverland Park, KS 66204 for an open house/visitation between 2:00 and 5:00 pm.

Donations are welcome to the KC Ballet or the Animal Rescue Charity of your choice.

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Joe Pace

10 days ago

Craig, I am so very sorry to read of Wayne’s passing May all your memories get you through the days and weeks ahead.I will continue to keep you in my prayers and thoughts.

Joe Pace

9 days ago

Craig. So very sorry to read of Wayne’s Passing May all the memories you shared get you through the Days and Weeks ahead will keep you in my Thoughts and Prayers.

John Middlelkamp

9 days ago

We were saddened, and shocked, to learn of Wayne’s passing. To Craig, and all of Wayne’s family, our deepest sympathy. John and Jackie Middelkamp

Barbara Noble

5 days ago

Craig, so very sorry to hear about the passing of Wayne. While I just met him a few times, his tribute really shares what a wonderful, caring, humorous and kind soul he was. Many blessings of comfort and love as you, family members and friends navigate and grieve the loss of Wayne’s earthly presence.

Tommy Fagan

5 days ago

Craig, you have my sincerest sympathies.

Tricia schere

1 day ago

Craig I’m soo sorry I know you will hav fond memories to live on in your heart ❤️

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Thank you both for the patience and understanding on the logistics of BK's funeral arrangements. It was a pleasure to work with you both. My sister, Julie, couldn't have been more pleased. The services you offer are well thought out and executed with compassion.

MHD

Dad has commented several times since mom's passing how her Celebration of Life was such a nice tribute to her and how grateful he was for that process to be handled so smoothly.

Beth W.

You both have exceeded your calling, and I'm so grateful you were there for me.

Marchia

Thank you so much for all of the care and concern you have given our family. We appreciate all of your help in planning the funeral. You did a wonderful job!

The Abram Family

Words will never be enough to properly express our gratitude...Your care for him and your guidance in our hour of need will never be repaid. Thank you, a million times, for you compassion and respectful service.

Nicole

Thank you so much for your compassionate care of our family. You have answered Dad's call to comfort grieving families, and we are so grateful.

Nancy

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Bukeka and Makeda

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Cynthia

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Joyce F.

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Amy E.

Thanks for making this an easier experience than I could have imagined.

Bill B.

You made the whole experience of losing my Dad so much more bearable thank I could have imagined. Thank you so much for everything.

Paula H.

Thank you again for all of your help, support and encouragement.

Linda S.

I want to thank you and the friend that is making these wonderful white cloths ... whenever I see it it reminds me of a shroud and brings a very pleasant peace.

thank you dear friend

Elaine

I'm Speechless, you are so kind. You made Richard's celebration of Life and awesome experience. Richard and I shared our life together for 45 years and you have put my life in a happier place.
Most Grateful I am, Robert S.

Robert S.

Your service (and that of the other team members at Signature Funerals) was so helpful to my family throughout the aftermath of my dad's death. Thank you again for your sensitive but wide-ranging help and advice. The service and celebration of his life went smoothly and was cathartic to everyone, due in large part to all of you at Signature Funerals.

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With much gratitude and love,

Vicki and family

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Jill H.

Cathy Boomer has a very calming influence and sense of peacefulness about her, even in the most emotional situations. She handled all the details of my mother's passing and funeral with professional dignity. She was unobtrusive but in control of all the little details and we, as a family, relied on her with immense satisfaction.

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Sue and Bernie

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Mark R.

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Eleanor P.

I want to thank you, on behalf of my family, and father in particular, beginning with your presence with us the night of mom's passing in her room. You were a calming presence throughout. Your funeral space is lovely and uplifting. It was, indeed, the perfect space for such a somber, but also celebrated gathering. Thank you for your guidance throughout.

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Jim and Leslie

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