Wayne Allan Unruh, 77, peacefully passed away at his home in Hutchinson, on October 28, 2022, surrounded by his wife, Helen and children, Brad and Emily. He was born on July 23, 1945, in Newton, one of four children to Stella (Reimer) and Raymond Unruh.
Wayne positively touched the lives of everyone he met. While his family mourns the passing of their husband and father, his friends, refereeing buddies, business associates, First Team employees and many others also mourn the loss of this one-of-a-kind man. Wayne was loved by all who knew him. His genuine interest in others often led Wayne to become a trusted friend and mentor to many people. His friends spanned all ages. Wayne had a gentle, unique ability to improve any situation he encountered.
Growing up on the Unruh family farm in the Moundridge, KS area, Wayne had an adventurous childhood. He learned an unwavering work ethic at an early age. He worked for a local farmer, assisting with harvest efforts as far-reaching as western Kansas. The Unruh household was loving and joyous.
He attended a local elementary school and then Moundridge High School. At MHS, Wayne was an athlete who competed in football, basketball, and track. After high school, Wayne went to Bethel College where he once again stood out in athletics as a running back and linebacker on the Thresher football team. It was at Bethel College where Wayne met his future wife, Helen Graber.
On December 23, 1966, Wayne married Helen Graber in Pretty Prairie, Kansas. They celebrated 55 years of marriage. Two of the biggest blessings of their lives were the births of son, Brad and daughter, Emily. Helen and Wayne's circle of wonderful friends, close family, and contributions to their community stand as a testament to their lifelong partnership and love for each other. This partnership undoubtedly propelled Wayne's professional career.
Over a span of about 50 years, Wayne had a successful officiating career, having reached the highest levels of Collegiate basketball officiating. From his very early days of refereeing in country grade schools, and with the support of Helen, he advanced to regional high schools and then small colleges. Wayne's evolution into major college officiating commenced in 1969 when he joined the Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference and the Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference. He joined the Big 8 Conference in 1978 and the Missouri Valley Conference in 1981. Additionally, Wayne earned his international FIBA license, leading him to officiate many major basketball tournaments throughout the world. He refereed tournaments in thirteen countries from 1978 to 2013.
A few of his notable basketball officiating accomplishments include: five post-season Big 8 tournaments; four post-season Missouri Valley Conference tournaments; four World University Games; and multiple US Olympic Team exhibition games.
Wayne was inducted into the Kansas Collegiate Officials Hall of Fame in 2015. He continued to serve on the Board of Directors of this organization until his recent passing.
Outside of basketball officiating, Wayne got his career start in education teaching at Sedgwick High School, Wellington High School, and Hutchinson High School. He was an assistant football coach at all three schools. In 1974, Wayne left education to become an administrative assistant with the National Junior College Athletic Association.
In 1996, Wayne and his business partner, Jeff Roth, started First Team Inc., in Hutchinson, KS. As with many small businesses, they persevered through humble beginnings, building First Team into a leading residential and institutional basketball equipment manufacturer in the United States. First Team continues to grow as they expand into new market segments outside of traditional basketball.
Civically, one of Wayne's favorite interests was the Rotary Club of Hutchinson. He became a member in 1999. Wayne embraced the Rotary principles, and the bi-weekly meetings were highlights for him. He served as Rotary president in 2014 and 2015. Wayne and Helen were co-chairs of the High Impact Club of the United Way of Reno County in 2018 and 2019, active in the Hutchinson Meals-on-Wheels program, and the First Presbyterian Church youth LOGOS program.
Wayne is survived by: his wife, Helen of Hutchinson; son, Brad and wife Erica of Las Vegas, NV and grandson, Lucas who attends college in Boston; daughter, Emily and husband Karl Hudson and granddaughter, Stella, of Brooklyn, NY; brother, Calvin and wife Marlene of McPherson; sisters, Maggie and husband Gary Davenport of Overland Park, Debbie and husband Terry Schmidt of Lawrence; in-laws, Mary and Mark Collins of Greely, CO.
He was preceded in death by: his parents; parents-in-law; sister-in-law; and niece.
Cremation has taken place. Friends may sign the book from 9 am – 5 pm through Wednesday November 9 at Elliott Mortuary. Visitation with the family present will take place Wednesday November 9 from 5-7 pm in the Elliott Chapel. Celebration of Life will be at First Presbyterian Church of Hutchinson on Thursday, November 10, 2022, at 10:30 am, with Pastor Christy Kass and Keith Neil officiating.