Wayne Liles, 82, of rural Floris, IA passed away on Friday, May 29, 2026, at the Boone County Health Care Center in Columbia, MO. As were his wishes, cremation has taken place. A visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, at the
Living Hope Bible Church in Eldon, IA with a memorial service beginning at 1:00 p.m. Burial will be held at a later date in the Iowaville Cemetery. Memorial contributions in Wayne’s honor may be directed to the family and mailed to 413 3 rd St. SW, Swisher, IA 52338. Friends may leave online condolences at www.cranstonfamilyfuneralhome.com.
Wallace Wayne Liles was born on December 23, 1943, at his family’s home in rural Floris, IA. He attended country school until 8th grade before returning home to help on the family farm where he developed a love of caring for the land and livestock. On July 26, 1964, Wayne
married the love of his life, Judith Durham. The two became the loving parents of two daughters, Lori and Cindy. Wayne began working as a machinist for Rockwell where he was a dedicated employee for 30 years, retiring in 1996. Every day after work he would return home
and spend more hours on the farm. He was never afraid to tackle any project, and it was said that he could fix anything with a pair of pliers and some #9 wire.
After retiring from Rockwell, he began working for the Keoco Auction Company in Sigourney, IA. Wayne loved this job as it allowed him to remain close to agriculture at also create many lasting friendships. Wayne was always willing to help Judy with her horse training and was a lifelong member of the Selma Trail Riders. Wayne and Judy were favorites at the Fort Madison Rodeo where he drove the water wagon and always had treats for the kids. He spent years as the “track man” for the Iowa Harness Association, preparing the track for the harness racing and taking great pride in working it to perfection. He did all these tasks quietly, and proudly, without expecting a thank you in return.
Wayne always enjoyed spending time with his growing family. He supported his grandchildren at their many activities and always looked forward to time with them on the farm. He loved sitting down to watch a good western movie, and was even known to watch WWE, AEW,
Survivor and Big Brother with Hailie.
Wayne was a quiet presence who had a profound impact on those around him. He even threw in a funny comment from time to time for good measure. He was the neighbor that you wanted, always willing to lend a hand to someone in need. He will be deeply missed by his family and the many friends he made along the way.
Wayne was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Judy (2018), and two siblings, Shirley Taylor and John Jr. Liles.
Left to share his story are his daughters, Lori Liles of Floris, IA and Cindy (Steve) Shelangoski of Swisher, IA; four grandchildren, Hailie Rush, Casey Shelangoski, Rachel Shelangoski (Tyler), and Maya Shelangoski; a great grandson, Ernest Roy Shelangoski; three siblings, Carl “Ed” Liles, Harold Liles, and Barbara Jo Everett, as well as many extended family and friends.
