Obituary of Wayne L. Monroe

POTTERSVILLE:  The Heavens welcome a child of God Wayne L. Monroe, 78 years old of Pottersville, NY passed away on December 16, 2024 from a cruel disease known as ALS. Daily struggles did not affect his will to live.  He didn’t want to leave his “Girls”, his wife and daughter.

Wayne was born at home on October 27, 1946, to the late Leon and Elda (Davis) Monroe of Lake George North Caldwell area. As an early teenager, he worked for the Follette family from North Carolina, operating several riding stables they owned throughout the Lake George region. He worked for Don Baxter at The Painted Pony. He worked at local filling stations and ran a food wagon for the construction of the I-87 Northway. He worked his way up to a truck driving position on the I -87 construction project. He later was drafted into the United States Army, where he served as an SGT E 5 in the 4th Battalion, 76th Artillery stationed in South Korea. He was honorably discharged.

After returning home, Wayne worked for several businesses, showing his strong work ethic. His career included working at Curtis Cash and Carry, Scott Paper, Board and Paper, drove fuel truck for Beecher Bake, log truck for Joe White and dump truck for Andy McNally, heavy equipment operator for the Town of Lake George, The Peckham Industries, Self-employed logger, also logged for Dale Monroe, Phil Carpenter, and Harold Botelle, Truck driver and salesman for Schroon Lake Tractors, heavy equipment operator for A.P.  Reele in Ticonderoga. He ultimately retired as a MEO for the Town of Chester Highway Department.

During Wayne’s high school years, he met the love of his life Karen Flynn, they married in 1966 at the Warrensburg Baptist Church and built a wonderful life together over the past 58 years. 

Wayne could be described as a man of punctuality, talent, and integrity. Known for his ability to build almost anything with a chainsaw or welder, he was true to his word, and a handshake was all it took to seal a deal. Generous and selfless, Wayne was always willing to help others without expecting anything in return. He was a loyal friend and best friend to his sister Linda.

Wayne and Karen shared a love of classic cars, often taking his El Camino and her GMC Caballero to car shows. A man of God, Wayne was also a talented musician who played guitar as part of a family group, Strings for Christ, ministering at churches across New York and Vermont.

True to his cowboy spirit, Wayne’s passion for horses was evident in his work running Empty Pockets Farm in Pottersville, NY. He was an avid team roper, hosting fellow ropers at his arena, showing horses with his daughter, and enjoying trail rides with family and friends. On Sunday afternoons, you could often find Wayne at home watching rodeos on the Cowboy Channel or classic Western movies starring John Wayne. His daughter’s colt Abel was his entertainment throughout his journey with ALS. He enjoyed going to the barn and receiving videos and pictures when he could no longer go.

Wayne’s creativity extended to his welding projects, including horseshoe creations that he generously gifted to family and friends or donated to local fundraisers. He took great pride in everything he did, from meticulously maintaining his yard, his Ford trucks and John Deere tractors.

An outdoorsman through and through, Wayne found joy in nature. He was an avid hunter, particularly enjoying rabbit hunting with his rescued beagle, Bunny. Above all, Wayne was most proud of his family. His love and dedication to them never wavered, and he took pride in providing for them. He cherished camping and fishing trips with his grandson, Lane, and attending Lane’s go-kart and sprint car races at various tracks in NY and VT.

Wayne is predeceased by his parents; brother Richard Ovitt; brother-in-law’s Carl Flynn, Harold Flynn, and Mervin Flynn along with his nephew Frederick Flynn.

Left to cherish Wayne’s memory is his beloved wife Karen Monroe of Pottersville; daughter Kirsten (Kelly) Saville of Warrensburg; one and only grandson Lane Saville of Warrensburg; sisters Barbara Ovitt of Lake George, Sandra (Robert) Burke of Virginia and Linda (Jerry) Steves of Queensbury.  Wayne also shared many special memories with his nieces and nephews.

Donations in Wayne’s memory may be made to: ALS, Shriner’s, St. Jude or your local ASPCA.

Per Wayne’s wishes there are no services planned.

Please visit www.alexanderfh.net for online condolences and guest book.