Wayne V Shooks

Dr. Wayne V. Shooks 4.1.1942 – 9.2.2026

Wayne V. Shooks, a devoted husband and father, beloved teacher and coach, and lifelong outdoorsman, passed away September 2, 2026, at the age of 84.

Born April 1, 1942 in Charlevoix, MI, to Walter and Joanna (Keizer), Wayne grew up on the Shooks cherry farm in Central Lake, MI. It was in Central Lake that he met his beautiful bride Linda Dingman, and the two wed on September 7, 1963. Over nearly 63 years together, they raised a family, a few dogs, and even an unexpected cat their daughter brought home from college.

Although he left the farm to move to the big city of DeWitt, MI, Wayne never lost his love of gardening. Summers spent on Intermediate Lake gave him a chance to garden to his heart’s content. His green thumb far outpaced the dinner table of his family. Many friends, neighbors (and even strangers) will remember his free produce stand on West Intermediate.

To say he loved fishing and hunting would be an understatement. He taught his children young how to bait a hook and to appreciate the beauty of a day on the lake. His yearly fishing camps to Platte Bay were the source of great joy – and even better stories. Maybe the greatest joy of his life (family aside) was working on his son’s farm (and hunting property) in Albion, MI. He spent many happy times designing and planting food plots and orchards, and watching it all pay off when the deer moved in. (Although, truth be told, in later life he probably enjoyed watching the deer more than hunting them!)

A man of solid faith, Wayne was a lifelong member of Belltower Reformed Church in Atwood, MI. He also spent many years as a regular presence at Immanuel Community Reformed Church in Lansing, MI and most recently First United Methodist Church in Lakeland, FL.

After graduation from Central Lake High School (1960) and Central Michigan University (1964), Wayne obtained his doctorate in zoology/ornithology from Michigan State University. A natural born teacher, Wayne devoted more than thirty years to the DeWitt Public Schools. He managed to make math and science come alive for thousands of middle and high school students, who affectionately referred to him as “Shooksie.”

Over the years, Wayne coached football, basketball, tennis, track and wrestling. As a freshman football coach, he was unparalleled. His 135-2-1 record is a testament to his drive and determination. He never had any desire to move to the varsity level, preferring to teach freshmen the fundamentals, both of football and of life. In 2002, he was honored by the Michigan High School Football Coaches Association as the Assistant Coach of the Year. He was inducted into the DeWitt High School Hall of Fame in 2009.

In retirement, Wayne and Linda spent their winters near their son and daughter-in-law in Lakeland, FL, while Michigan remained home to so many of the people, places and pastimes he loved. Over the years, he taught his family so many things: to love MSU and Jesus (not in that order), that hard work always yields better results than complaining, and that laughter should be part of every day. He showed us all how to love fiercely, and the importance of living a life of integrity. His legacy will live on through his family, friends, and all the lives he touched along the way.

Wayne is survived by his loving wife, Linda; his children, Marcy (Brian) Matson-Herrington and Jeff (Laura) Shooks; his sisters, Jan (Paul) Dean and Kathryn Boss; his brother-in-law, John (Cathy) Dingman; his sister-in-law Patricia Shooks; his grandchildren, Zachary Wayne Daniel (Najma) Matson, Tyler (Julia) Matson, Melissa (Paul) Bloodgood, Connor (Joanna) Herrington, Cameron Herrington; many nieces and nephews; and one great-grandchild, Iris Bloodgood. He joins in eternal life his parents, Walter and Joanna (Keizer) Shooks; his brother, James Shooks; his brother-in-law Nathan Boss, and his brother and sister-in-law, Karl and Kathy (Thomas) Dingman.

An interment service will be held September 19, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. at Southern Cemetery in Central Lake, MI. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Wayne V. Shooks Scholarship Fund are welcome. https://godonate.akoyago.com/CRCF/fund/wayne-v-shooks-scholarship-fund. The scholarship was established on his retirement in 2005 to help a DeWitt High School graduate who plans to study life sciences – because even in retirement, Wayne never really stopped teaching.

Arrangements are in the care of the Central Lake Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes. Please sign his online guestbook www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com.