Reverend W. Wayne Leys, age 77, of Zeeland was welcomed into his Heavenly Home on Saturday, January 30, 2021.
Pastor Wayne loved the Lord and he loved the church of Jesus. He served as pastor of CRC churches in: Colorado Springs, CO, Elmhurst, IL, Atlanta, GA, Littleton, CO, and Lockport, IL. Wayne served on the Board of Trustees of the CRCNA for six years, three of those as president. He was also actively involved with Home Missions for many years. Additionally, he served as chaplain of the Will County Detention Center in Illinois for nearly two decades.
Wayne had a heart for people and loved to hear what God was doing in their lives, especially if he could hear it while enjoying breakfast. Whether meeting with a CEO or an addict, Wayne saw the image of God reflected in everyone and desired for everyone to know the love of Jesus. Even in the last weeks of his life, despite the toll Alzheimer’s had taken, everyone who entered his room heard the gospel from Pastor Wayne.
In addition to the church, Wayne was a dedicated husband, father and grandfather. His love, laughter and the accompanying smirk will be deeply missed by those who survive, including: his wife of 54 years, Christine Leys; children: Jeff (Shelly) Leys, Sarah (John) Brinkmann, Maria (Ben) Bowater; grandchildren: Josh (Alyssa) Leys, Michaela Leys, Christopher Leys, Annika Leys, Jonathan Leys, Isabel Leys, Emma Brinkman, Aiden Brinkman, Colin Brinkman, Benjamin Bowater, Marissa Bowater, Judah Bowater, Asher Bowater; siblings: Ken (Carole) Leys, Roger (Julie) Leys, Ruth (Peter) Kelder; in-laws: Marie (Phil) Holtrop, Jo (George) Faber, Bill (Mary) Greenfield, Pete (Jane) Greenfield; as well as many extended family and friends.
Visitation will be from 3:00-5:00pm on Wednesday, February 3, 2021, at Yntema Funeral Home, 251 S. State Street, Zeeland, MI 49464. Private funeral service will be at 10:00am on Thursday, February 4, join through livestream at https://redarrow.online.church. Burial will be in Zeeland Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be given to Calvin Theological Seminary (https://www.calvinseminary.edu/give) or Rehoboth Christian School (https://rehobothchristianschool.factsmgtadmin.com/give). If you would like to leave a message for the family, please visit www.yntemafh.com.
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