1936-2025
Wayne Files, age 88 of Kelso, Arkansas, passed away April 15, 2025. He was born July 26, 1936 in Hunter, Arkansas to the late Thomas Alton Files and Minnie Viola Holbert. He was of the Baptist faith and attended Kelso Baptist Church where he was a deacon and Sunday school teacher. In his younger years, he became an ordained minister. Although he did not preach or pastor a church he was called to be a teacher. He graduated from Ouachita Baptist College. He was a teacher for 25+ years at Desha Central and Delta High school. Wayne was a man of many talents and seldom backed up from large projects. He always dove right in, ready to work. He was a self-taught jack of many trades. He studied books and magazines, learning how to complete his projects. He built his first woodworking shop from material he salvaged from tearing down a large shed at his home. In the midst of many projects, trees were cut down, trees were planted along with gardens. He made intricate wooden toys and furniture projects to sell at local craft fairs…until he discovered working on the house paid more. During his free time.
He enjoyed spending time with his nieces and nephews and traveling. Wayne and Cheryl gave their hearts to the many abandoned dogs they took in; Bat, Fluff, Buttons, Shadow, Doll, Muggs and Gabby.
Other than his parents he is proceeded in death by five siblings. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Cheryl Sanders Files and one sister, Sue Stratton.
A visitation will be held Friday April 18, 2025, 10:00am-11:00 am at Kelso Baptist Church in Kelso, Arkansas. Funeral service will follow at 11:00 am with Bro. Chuck Gladden officiating. In Lieu of flowers donations may be made to Arkansas Baptist Home for Children at 150 Hyatt Ct., Monticello, AR 71655. Arrangements made by Griffin-Culpepper Funeral Service of McGehee, Arkansas.
