George Wayne Truman

George Wayne Truman departed mortality on March 24, 2025, at his home in Hot Springs, Arkansas. He was born on March 28, 1936, in Akron, Ohio, to Spencer C. Truman and Effie Ann Rymer Truman.

When Wayne was born, his parents worked at the B.F. Goodrich factory in Akron. But they were always looking for new opportunities. They bought a farm in southern Ohio, where Wayne spent part of his childhood. From there, they moved to Biola, California, where they owned a café for a couple of years. When Wayne was eleven, they moved to a farm in Clark County, Arkansas. In 1950, they moved to Hot Springs where Wayne attended high school.

After high school, Wayne enlisted in the United States Naval Reserve. He became a machinist’s mate and served at NAS Memphis, where he was a plane captain responsible for the maintenance, upkeep, and operation of a jet fighter.

In 1957 Wayne married Glenda Rey Mitchell, also of Hot Springs. Together they raised two sons.

Growing up, Wayne’s chief interests were art and airplanes. Upon reaching adulthood, he decided to make art his vocation and aviation his avocation. After attending the Memphis Academy of Art, Wayne was hired by The Dixie Wax Paper Company (which became Dixico), a manufacturer of flexible packaging for the snack food industry. He eventually became the company’s Director of Design and a corporate vice-president. After 29 years at Dixico, Wayne resigned and began a second career lettering comic books and manga, with help from Glenda, whom he pressed into service.

Wayne earned his pilot’s license in his early twenties. He became a flight instructor and taught several people to fly over the years. He enjoyed flying a variety of airplanes and was a member of the Confederate Air Force (now known as the Commemorative Air Force).

In 1970, Wayne, Glenda, and their sons joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Wayne and Glenda served in various callings in the church over the years. Wayne said joining the church was the best decision he ever made (after marrying Glenda).

Wayne is survived by Glenda, his wife of 68 years, their sons, Gary and Derek, four grandchildren, Jeremy, Lauren, Taylor, and George, and four great-grandchildren, Jasmine, Anie, Aric, Aiden, and Emerson.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 12, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 2765 Malvern Avenue, Hot Springs, Arkansas.