Obituary – Wayne H. Hackman, Jr.
Wayne Harold Hackman, Jr., age 79, of Licking, Missouri, passed away on June 14, 2026. He was born on December 8, 1946, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Wayne and Margaret Hackman, who preceded him in death.
Wayne is survived by his beloved wife of 54 years, Twyla; his children, Stefanie (John) Hood, Janell (Matt) Duncan and Eric Hackman, all of Licking, Missouri; and his cherished grandchildren, Brandi (James) Huff, Josh (Shelby) Hood, Sidney Duncan, Jake Hood, Lane (Hannah) Duncan, Mackenzie (Blake) Heithold, Macayla Hackman and William Hackman. He is also survived by nine great-grandchildren: Axel and Sloan Huff; Eva, Jude, Emma and Sylvie Hood; Summer, Margo and Jack Heithold. Wayne will be deeply missed by his siblings, Marge (Karl) Westerville, Barbara (Arthur) Singleman, Ronald (Margaret) Hackman, Diane (Tom) Foster, Nancy (Tim) Gallagher, and many loving nieces and nephews.
Wayne grew up in Pennsylvania and graduated from Abington Heights High School in Clarks Summit. His love of sports began at an early age when he joined the wrestling team in high school. He later joined an area college football team. At the age of 19, Wayne enlisted in the United States Army, serving his country with honor for 26 years. During his distinguished military career, he earned a bachelor’s degree in business. Wayne was deployed to Vietnam and later served in the Persian Gulf War. While serving he held many positions such as Paratrooper Instructor and Drill Sergeant. He received numerous honors, including the Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medals, Legion of Merit, Presidential Unit Citation, and the Sergeant Morales Club Award. He retired at the rank of Command Sergeant Major. Wayne then went to work for the United States Postal Service for 12 years, serving communities in both Houston and Licking, Missouri.
A man of deep faith, Wayne was a longtime member of First Baptist Church of Licking, where he faithfully served as a deacon for more than 20 years. He was also active in the Licking Downtown Association and contributed to community improvement efforts, including fundraising and helping establish the local veterans and law enforcement memorial. Many community members and area patrons will remember his 3-on-3 basketball tournaments. Wayne was a proud member of the VFW and could often be found hanging flags down Main Street to display patriotism and unity. Fittingly, he passed away on Flag Day, a meaningful tribute to his lifelong dedication to his country and community.
Wayne was known for his warm and generous spirit. He welcomed all into his home with kindness, offering smiles, hugs and genuine care. He was a devoted family man who found joy in attending the milestones and everyday moments of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He loved attending and cheering for his kids and grandkids in anything they pursued. Wayne showed his love through simple acts of kindness—if anyone was sick; they could expect a Gatorade and crackers on their doorstep.
Wayne and Twyla shared a love of travel, exploring the world together and visiting family and lifelong friends from his military years. On a Sunday afternoon when he was home, you would find Wayne enjoying a basketball or football game on TV.
Wayne will be remembered as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, sibling and friend. Though he is greatly missed, his family takes comfort in the belief that he is now in Heaven, rejoicing in the presence of Our Lord and Savior.
A visitation for Wayne will take place Thursday, June 25, 2026, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Fox Funeral Home. A funeral service will be held Friday, June 26, 2026, at 11 a.m. at the First Baptist Church of Licking. Burial will follow at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery-Fort Leonard Wood. Memorial contributions may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project or Tunnel to Towers Foundation, in loving memory of Wayne. Online condolences may be left at www.foxfh.net. Arrangements are entrusted to Fox Funeral Home.
