D. Wayne Metz died peacefully on Friday, November 12, 2021, at Stein Hospice in Sandusky. His wife and children were at his side.
Wayne was born on February 25, 1947, in Toledo, Ohio, to Donald Wheeler Metz and Julia Eleanor Asendorf. He lived in Maumee, Ohio, where he grew up loving baseball, football, and bowling. He graduated from Maumee High School in 1965 and kept in touch with his classmates throughout the years. Later he continued his education at Owens Technical College in Perrysburg, Ohio.
After his high school graduation, Wayne enlisted in the U.S. Navy. His five years in the service included two Mediterranean tours of duty aboard the destroyer USS Douglas H. Fox. He proudly called himself a “tin can sailor.”
In 1970 he returned to the Toledo area and was hired to be the night auditor of the newly built Holiday Inn in downtown Toledo. During his training for the hotel opening, he met his future wife, Marie Ries. They married on June 24, 1972, at St. Mary Church in Assumption, Ohio. In 1978 they moved to Norwalk, Ohio. Over the years, Wayne worked in retail management in Norwalk, Milan, Huron, and Port Clinton. In his spare time, he enjoyed bowling and playing volleyball in local leagues and visiting Lake Erie. He was also a lifelong fan of the Detroit Tigers and Detroit Lions.
Wayne is survived by his devoted wife of 49 years, Marie; his daughter, Julia (David) Ward of Delaware, Ohio; his son Donald (Andrea) Metz of Vermilion, Ohio; 12 grandchildren; and one great grandchild. He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, James Metz; his sisters, Mary Lou Hein and Roberta Wettstone; and his granddaughter, Trinity Metz.
A memorial is planned for late spring at Marblehead Lighthouse, his favorite place to visit to watch boats in his later years. Walker-Eastman-Heydinger Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
Memorial contributions may be made to Stein Hospice, the American Cancer Society, or to the family.
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