Linn William Wainner
1941-2019
Linn W. Wainner, 77, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Friday, Feb 15, 2019, in Edmond, OK.
Linn was born on Nov 19, 1941 in Houston, TX to Fred and Katy Wainner. Linn played high school football in Derby, KS, and attended Southwestern College in Winfield, KS. His roommate introduced him to a remarkable young woman named Judy Thurman, and they married on Dec 22, 1962 in Wichita, KS.
Linn earned his B.A. in 1964 at Okla City Univ and his Masters of Environmental Science at Univ of Okla in 1973. He volunteered to serve in the US Army Medical Corps from 1967-1968.
Linn began his career in environmental quality in 1969 at the Okla City-County Health Dept, and moved to the OK Dept of Environmental Quality in 1990, retiring in 2006. His children recall their dad being interviewed on local news, leading chemical spill cleanups, stake outs for air pollution violators, and visits to local classrooms to teach about air pollution.
Linn was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. Linn was not shy and would strike up a friendly conversation with anyone, anywhere. Even when he lost most of his hearing later in life, he still found ways to connect with those around him. He enjoyed traveling the world with his wife, and loved attending church and golfing. As a youth, he became a fan of Milwaukee Braves 3rd baseman, Eddie Matthews, and he faithfully followed the Braves throughout his life, sometimes in person.
Preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Katy Wainner. He is survived by his wife Judy Wainner; brother Kenneth Wainner (Kathleen Gerrity); sisters Mary Kay Freeman (Bruce) and Helen Chesnut (Gary); daughter Cindy Martin (Tim); son Mark Wainner (Erin); grandchildren Mark, Holden, David, and Brian; along with numerous nieces and nephews.
Open visitation on Tues, Feb 19th from 6-8pm at Matthews Funeral Home in Edmond, OK. Funeral services on Wed, Feb 20th at 11am at Memorial Road Church of Christ, 2221 E Memorial Rd, Edmond, OK 73013. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Memorial Road Church of Christ for humanitarian efforts.
I wish to express my condolences for the loss of your dear Mr. Wainner. The God of heavens shares your loss. He provides wonderful hope for the future (John 5:28-29; Psalm 37:11, 29, 39; Revelation 21:3-5). Jesus taught us to pray for that marvelous time at Matthew 6:9-10. Please reach out your heavenly Father for the comfort that you need (2 Corinthians 1:3-4; Psalm 34:18). The link below is to a short video about His plans for your precious Mr. Wainner; it is my sincere wish that it will be of great benefit to you as it has been to me over the years: https://www.jw.org/finder?srcid=share&prefer=content&applanguage=E&locale=en&item=pub-imv_4_VIDEO&docid=1011214. May the peace of God be with all of you (Philippians 4:6-7).
I am so sad to hear about Linn’s passing. I worked with him at the City County Health Department for about 10 years. May God be with you at this difficult time and know that he is in God’s hands.
My sincere condolences to the Wainner family. May your many fine memories of Linn and loving words comfort family and friends during this very difficult time and the days ahead (Isaiah 57:15)