Longtime China Spring resident Hubert “Wayne” Rueter passed away on Friday, March 16, 2018 following complications of congestive heart failure.
Wayne was born September 27, 1932 in Waco to John Henry and “Tillie” Karels Rueter. His early years were spent riding motorcycles and causing mischief with lifelong friends in and around Waco.
He was one of the first graduates of the old Waco Tech High School which later became University High School. At Waco Tech he received training in woodworking, a skill he would use all of his working life. He served in the Army for 2 years, then returned to Waco to open Rueter’s Cabinet Shop, crafting and installing woodwork in some of the nicest homes in Waco and building his own home almost entirely from his shop. After his “retirement” at the age of 70, he continued his craft by building custom furniture which he sold in stores around Waco and at the Round Top Antiques Fair.
Wayne married June Ward 55 years ago in Waco on May 25, 1962. They first made their home in Waco where their only child Leigh Anne was born, then settled in China Spring in 1974. Wayne loved camping, Baylor sports, wildlife, vacations in the mountains, a good pot of green chile, guitar music, and an afternoon of antiquing with June.
He was preceded in death by his parents and older brother, John “Jacky” Rueter, Jr.
He is survived and loved by wife, June; daughter, Leigh Anne and husband Micheal; grandchildren, Hailey and husband Micah, Jordan and fiancée Mary Catherine, Morgan and Alexander; and nieces, Kathy and Karla.
Graveside Service: 2:30PM Tuesday, March 27, 2018 at China Spring Cemetery.
No visitation is planned.
Contact Information:Lake Shore Funeral Home & Cremation Services
Place of Service: China Spring Cemetery , 17000 Old China Spring Rd,; China Spring, TX 76633
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Memories, Laughter, Love are treasures we keep forever. Let the good memories play in your heart forever. Sorry for your loss.
Wayne was the best friend a person could find in a lifetime. He would give his shirt off his back if someone was in need. I know this for a fact, as I was in need 40 years ago when he hired me in his cabinet shop. We have been close friends since that very first day we met.
Jane and I know he will be greatly missed by his family and his many friends. Our prayers are with them.
June, I am so sorry, I haven’t seen Wayne in a while but we met a Leo’s Gunshop every now and then. I am in shock. Wayne was a good friend and I will miss him. I just now found out about this so I’m very sorry that I didn’t know about the graveside services. Our prayers are with you!
Joe & Linda Marshall
June and Leigh Anne-
So very sorry to hear of the passing of Wayne. The love that your family showed to me growing up will always be remembered. Praying for both of you.
I love my uncle Bubba “Wayne ” dearly ,and always will. I loved to hear his stories. He was always their for me, and will so greatly be missed.
Bubba was one of the “Good Guys” who rode English motorcycles in Waco in the early 50s; serious, quiet, caring, and honest. He and I went on a cycle camping trip on our motorcycles around Colorado sites about 1950 and a bit later I rode his new AJS twin to Colorado Springs to pick him up after his stint with the Army reserve. Lost touch in 1955 when I left Waco but have always fondly remembered our brief friendship.
Dear June and Leigh Ann,
So sorry to hear of Wayne’s passing. It has been a while since we last visited with you, but we could never forget you. We have wonderful memories of our visits with you. Frank considers Wayne to be one of his best friends, and he often said that if he ever needed help, Wayne would be there in a second – and he often was. Please know we are thinking of you and sending prayers your way. May Wayne’s Godly walk through life, with you, your family, and friends, sustain you and leave you with precious memories.
God bless,
Frank and Billie Hulke
Dear June,
I was so very sorry to learn of the passing of my good friend Wayne.
I enjoyed visiting with him at “the shop”, on the phone and also at your home where we exchanged stories about aircraft, trains and sailboats – a man of so many interests. I loved going to his cabinet shop and seeing some of the projects he was working on. Wayne is a true artist, a master of his craft and someone I am so proud to call my friend.
I will miss him.
Charles Janek
Bubba rode a 1951? Matchless mtrcycle (I had a 1949), so we rode together a lot. I rode on back with O. B. Shelburne along Austin Ave. in Waco, with Bubba riding alongside on his Matchless, I captured the scene…a great shot. With the flying M on side of tank. We turned left on 18th St. and gassed over the overpass, stopping at Uncle Roy’s mtrcycle shop. Much of the old 8mm movie film has gone to dust, but I did manage to transfer some to VH S tape and I think it includes the Austin Ave. event. Bubba came to Bob Watsons house a few yrs ago for a visit. He looked the picture of health. Robert Kellen, 214-348-6509. Dallas