Earl Wayne Jernigan

E. Wayne Jernigan (E.W.) of North Webster, Indiana passed away in the early morning hours of March 18, 2023, of natural causes. Wayne was born in Cross Plaines, Tennessee on August 30, 1942, relocating to Indiana at the age of ten.

Wayne attended North Webster High School and worked for his father-in-law’s construction company as well as Weatherhead Factory in Syracuse, Indiana. Wayne was an avid outdoorsman. He loved to hunt and fish. Wayne supplemented his family income in the 1960’s trapping minks and raccoons for their fur. He especially enjoyed ice fishing. Wayne also bettered the North Webster community through his years of service as a member of the Sons of the American Legion Post 253. He served as a past adjutant, past commander, and past finance officer. He was a dedicated volunteer for many years of the American Legion Post 253. He was an enthusiastic gardener, pouring over seed catalogs in the spring as he carefully planned his garden including traditional vegetables and always trying something new.

Wayne is survived by his wife of 31 years, Maria Victoria (Vicky) Jernigan. A stepdaughter, Tasia (Kenton) Shepherd. A stepson, Michael Espinoza, and four step-grandchildren. He is also survived by his two daughters of his first marriage, Stephanie (Jeff) Surfus and Joseanne (Don) Nyce. Five grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren. Wayne is survived by his brothers, William (Willy) Jernigan and Don Jernigan and his sister, Sara (Rick) Edgar.

Wayne was proceeded in death by his first wife of 33 years, Diana Kay (Leap) Jernigan, his daughter, Monica (Monk) Jernigan. A brother, Ken Jernigan, and his parents, Hubert and Virgie Jernigan.

Wayne was a voracious reader. He loved westerns and worked his way through many classic novels like Moby Dick. This quote from Herman Melville’s Moby Dick sums up Wayne well, “As for me, I am tormented with everlasting itch for things remote. I love to sail forbidden seas, and land on Barbarous coasts.”

Wayne was a restless soul, may he rest in peace.