Wayne Marvin Schutz passed away at the age of 89 on Tuesday, November 2, 2021 at his home of over 60 years in Newark DE. Born to Marvin and Jessie (Lintner) Schutz at home in Hawley PA on June 13, 1932, he is survived by Alma, his wife of 69 years, and his twin sister, Wanda (Tom) Sheridan, of Hawley PA. He is also survived by five daughters: Michelle (Mike) Chapman, LuWanna Krause, Trina (John) Perkins, Holly (Kevin) Natrin, and Jill (Kevin) Denneny.

Other survivors include grandchildren: Angel and Eric Chapman; Jessica Krause (Larry Willoughby) and Louis (Erin) Krause; Michael (Erin), Ben, and David Natrin; Sara (Ryan) Moye, Emma, and Drew Denneny; and great-grandchildren: Gianluca Marchione; Penn and Charley Krause.

He was preceded in death by his brother and sister-in-law, Allen and Hope Schutz, of Honesdale PA and by his son-in-law, Louis Christian “Chris” Krause III, of Newark DE.

As a child, Wayne attended Long Ridge one room schoolhouse in Hawley PA, later graduating from Hawley High School in 1950. He earned money during school driving a delivery truck for Schaibly’s Dairy and trapping furs to sell. He married Alma Dorothy Lord on October 11, 1952 at First Presbyterian Church in Alma’s nearby hometown, Honesdale PA.

They lived for a short time in Damascus PA, where Wayne did sales and delivery for Wayne Olver’s Ice Cream. Soon after, Wayne was drafted into the US Army during the Korean Conflict. After basic training at Ft. Campbell KY, he was assigned to Ft. Bragg NC as a Military Police photographer and finger printing specialist with the Criminal Investigation Division.

Following his discharge in December of 1954, he built and sold custom cabinets and Schutzcraft boats while being employed as a firefighter for the City of Fayetteville NC.

In 1960 he moved his family to Newark DE working 18 years as a tractor trailer owner operator for Eastern Auto Forwarding, M&G Convoy, and George Transfer. In 1979 Wayne and Alma opened Wayne’s Small Engine Repair in Ogletown DE, where they spent over 20 years selling and servicing lawn and garden equipment. Following the closing of the shop, he worked for Stallard Chassis in Newark DE until 2008.

Since 1962 Wayne has been an active member of Christiana United Methodist Church, where he served as Trustee, Usher, active member of Methodist Men, and enjoyed singing hymns and listening to music groups.

In high school Wayne played the violin in Orchestra and continued his love of music for years playing both violin and accordion at home as Alma accompanied him on piano.

He loved auto racing and spent many years as pit crew and car owner with the Blackbird Micro Midget Racing Club at Airport Speedway in New Castle DE, where he was named Sportsman of the Year in 1993. Hobbies included woodworking, leatherworking, mechanical work, fishing, and gardening.

Wayne’s Masonic affiliation began in 1959 when he was raised a Master Mason with Phoenix Lodge #8 A.F. & A.M. in Fayetteville NC. After moving to Delaware, he joined the York Rite Bodies: Washington and Lafayette Chapter #1 Royal Arch Masons, of which he served as High Priest in 1979; Gunning Bedford Council #1 Royal and Select Masters; and St. John’s Commandery No. 1, Knights Templar. He served the Grand Chapter of Delaware as Grand High Priest in 1992. Extremely knowledgeable of Chapter ritual, he frequently participated in Constituent Chapters St. John’s No. 4; Delta Chapter No. 6, Brandywine Chapter No. 9, and Daylight Chapter No. 10.

Appendant Bodies of which he was a member include: First State York Rite College #45; Delaware Council #18 Knight Masons; Keystone Council #113 Allied Masonic Degrees; Two-by-Two Lodge #15 Royal Ark Mariners; and Delaware Conclave of the Red Cross of Constantine.

Masonic Awards have included: Jesse Green Medal 2011; F. Irving Crow York Rite Award of Honor 2004; Order of the Purple Cross from the York Rite Sovereign College in 1999; R.A.M. General Grand Chapter Distinguished Service Medal in 1983; York Rite College Gold Honor Award 1982; Ephraim Kirby award.

Charitable donations may be made to Delaware Hospice or Christiana United Methodist Church in Wayne’s memory.

Arrangements are with R.T. Foard and Jones in Newark DE. Services will take place at Christiana United Methodist Church, 21 East Main Street, Christiana DE 19702. Viewings will be held 5pm-7pm Tuesday with a brief Masonic ceremony at 6:45pm, November 9, 2021 and 10am-11am Wednesday, November 10, 2021. Funeral Service will be held 11am on Wednesday, November 10, 2021, to be followed by interment at Gracelawn Memorial Park, 2220 North duPont Highway, New Castle DE.