Wayne Alexander Laffoon

Wayne Alexander Laffoon was born to Herbert Laffoon Sr. and Madelyn Alexander Laffoon on Dec. 10, 1935 in Evanston Illinois. He was the youngest of three children, his sister Georgia Laffoon Williams and his brother Herbert Laffoon Jr. Wayne was the baby of the family and a delight to his siblings. He was raised in Evanston, Illinois and growing up he loved playing the saxophone and wrestling. He attended Dewey Elementary school and Evanston Township High School. He continued his education at The University of Illinois, Champagne.

He married and relocated to Los Angeles, California in the late 1950's. Two children were born from this union Derek J. Laffoon and D'Andrea C. Laffoon (Mitchell). He later remarried the love of his life Beatrice Hardy and was immediately captivated by her and she was intrigued with him and from this union three sons were born Bernard W. Laffoon, Mark C. Laffoon and Brian Laffoon. He settled in Carson, California to raise his family.

He was a disciplinarian and ran his family with an iron fist. He reflected strength in everything he did and when good things happened he said "that's what life is all about" with a smile. He taught his children to be independent and inspired them to be their best. His smile was contagious and he could make everyone laugh. He was truly the life of the party. Wayne began his career at Lockheed Martin and was employed there twenty-nine years.

He was dedicated, hardworking and highly respected by his colleagues. He was recognized for his talent and was the first black man to operate the wind tunnel for new commercial airplanes. He conducted test flights for the L10-11 aircraft and flew on these test flights. His team certified the aircrafts safe for flying before they were sold and delivered to commercial airliners. He retired as a manager from Lockheed Martin in March 1991.

He was a world traveler and visited Europe and Asia. He loved his vacations and enjoyed going to Las Vegas, Nevada. It was important to him to stay physically fit, therefore he regularly jogged six miles daily and bicycled in his younger years. He continued his fitness program in his older years walking daily on the campus of Cal State University Dominquez Hills. He attended church at Central Baptist Church and was a faithful servant of God. On Sunday Jan. 12, 2020 at his residence in Carson, California Wayne was called home to our heavenly father.

His Loved ones left to cherish his remarkable life and memories are his sister Georgia, daughter D'Andrea Mitchell, (Richie), sons, Bernard Laffoon, Mark Laffoon (Monica) and Brian Laffoon. His grandchildren Denea, Lucette, Bernadette, Derek Jr, Miriam, Tiffany, Nicole, Jasmin, Alexandria, Mark Christopher, Justin, David, Mateo, Khristian, Jaylah, and Avery. His great grandchildren D'Aundre, Dionna, Jahvon, Savannah, Amanda, Justin Jr. Isaiah, Brent Kyrell, Alicia, Zaleiyah, Devin Jr. Makhi and Micah and a host of relatives and friends. Wayne is preceded in death by his parents Herbert Sr. and Madelyn, beloved wife Beatrice, his eldest son Derek and brother Herbert Jr.