Wayne Keith Westblade, 85, of Salina, KS, passed away Friday, January 9, 2026, at Eagle Crest Assisted Living.

He was born April 20, 1940, in Lindsborg, Kansas, the eldest son of the late Clifford Westblade and Florence (Hall) Westblade. On August 14, 1965, he married the love of his life, Erma Baker Westblade, at Fort Riley Kansas.

Wayne received his Bachelors in Music Education from Bethany College in Lindsborg, Kansas, joining the US Army where he played trombone in the band at Fort Riley Kansas. It was at Fort Riley that he met Erma, a civilian religious advisor to military families. After his army service, Wayne became the band director at Strong City and Clifton Schools before moving to his family farm near Lindsborg and joining the local police force. Wayne graduated from Washburn Law School and dedicated his career to helping communities as a passionate advocate for clients, serving a term as the Hamilton County attorney in Syracuse, KS.

Wayne was a strong person of faith and supported many humanitarian and legal causes as well as being active in church and raising his two daughters along with his wife.

Wayne is survived by two daughters, Miriam Holzmeister (Greg) of Gypsum, KS, and Rebecca Guthrie (Carl) of Noblesville, IN, three granddaughters, Rachel Byarlay (Aaron) of Quinter, KS, Victoria Jones (Brady) of Roxbury, KS, and Morgan Guthrie of Noblesville, IN, three great granddaughters Annabelle and Baylee Jones and Ariana Byarlay, two brothers, Willard (Nancy) Westblade of Littleton, CO, and Marlon Westblade of Cozumel, Mexico, and two sisters, Virgie Christy of Lawrence, KS and Melanie Westblade of Belton, Mo as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and sisters in law.

He was preceded in death by his wife Erma, parents Florence and Clifford, brother Howard Westblade, and brother-in-law Mac Chrisy.

Friends and family may call from 10 am – 11 am Wednesday, January 14 at Grand Avenue United Methodist Church, 304 W. Grand Ave. Salina, KS, with services following at Grand Avenue UMC.

Burial will be at Elmwood Cemetery, Lindsborg, KS after a church luncheon.

Memorials may be made to Grand Avenue UMC, 304 W. Grand Ave., Salina, KS, 67401.