Lloyd Gerald "Rocky" Wayne

Lloyd "Rocky" Gerald Wayne was born on September 23, 1931 to Frank Littleton and Hazel Wayne, passed away on May 6, 2015. Lloyd earned his High School Sports Hall of Fame Honors while at Albuquerque High School where he was a four year letterman in wrestling, football, and baseball. He attended Colorado State University on a wrestling and football scholarship before entering the Air Force his sophomore year. While awaiting OCS training, he taught military survival school in Colorado, California, and Florida. He performed 47 experimental high altitude sky dives into Lake Tahoe for military testing purposes. He graduated first in his class in OCS selecting fighters. He flew the F86 in combat over Korea and earned an alternate spot with the Thunderbirds. Upon returning state side, he was stationed in Oregon, flying over the Pacific patrolling Russian Air space before enrolling in the University of Texas, to earn his Aerospace Engineering degree. Thereafter, he was assigned to Edwards Air Force Base to help design the X-15 along with Chuck Yeager, and worked on the SR-71 Blackbird. He was promoted to Major and stationed at Cam Rahn Bay as a squadron commander during Vietnam. He flew over 137 missions while in Vietnam earning the Bronze Star of Valor and The Distinguished Flying Cross. He rose to the rank of Lt. Colonel before moving back to his hometown of Albuquerque. He was assigned to Kirtland Air Force Base in 1972 until his retirement in 1974. He then raised drilling funds for an independent local drilling company, Pedco. He was nominated to serve as Director of Aviation for the State of New Mexico, and was instrumental in saving Kirtland Air Force base from closure by the Clinton Administration. He is remembered by his hard work and dedication to his country. He is survived by two sons, Dr. Bryan M. Wayne and Mark L. Wayne; and three grandchildren, Isaac Matthew age 14, Abella Grace age 12, and Luke Samuel age 9. Burial with military honors provided by the United States Air Force at Santa Fe National Cemetery, 501 N. Guadalupe. FRENCH - Wyoming 7121 Wyoming Blvd. NE (505) 823-9400