John Michael Wayman, Dvm

A proud native Texan, John Michael Wayman was born at St. Paul hospital in Dallas, TX on January 26, 1947 to his parents, Gordon S. Wayman, Jr. and Betty (Brisendine) Wayman, both deceased. He was also welcomed by two older brothers, Gordon S. Wayman III and Allen Kenneth Wayman (deceased 1961).

John spent his formative years in Dallas County, first in Irving and then in Dallas. He attended, Kramer Elementary, Benjamin Franklin Junior High School and Hillcrest High School, where he graduated 1965. He played football in both junior high and high school, playing on the Hillcrest Varsity team that won the 4A district championship in 1964. John attended Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church with his family.

After spending his freshman year of college at Austin College in Sherman, TX and playing football that year as a ‘Roo, John then transferred to Texas A&M University in College Station, where he eventually earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) in 1971. John’s oldest children, Andy and Mary were born while he was at Texas A&M, during his first marriage.

Upon graduation from Texas A&M, John entered the U.S. Army through an officer training program specifically for veterinarians and became a Captain. John’s middle son, Jake, was born on Okinawa. John was honorably discharged in 1974.

When he received his discharge from the Army, John immediately returned to the DFW area to begin his veterinary career in the private sector, eventually opening his own veterinary clinic in Carrollton. It was during this time that John met and married Gail, his wife of over 42 years, and they worked together at his veterinary clinic while also welcoming two children, Todd and Grace.

In 2004, John and Gail fulfilled a mutual vision of helping children with autism by opening The Wayman Center in Plano, providing intensive behavioral intervention (ABA therapy) for children with autism and other special needs. It was one of the first of its kind in DFW. When The Wayman Center opened, Gail managed the clinical side while John managed the business side, AR, AP, HR, etc., as well as building maintenance. He did this while continuing to work full-time as a veterinarian, eventually reducing veterinary work to part-time in order to meet the needs of The Wayman Center. John always considered his work at The Wayman Center to be a calling from God and he loved interacting with the children and staff day in and day out. The Wayman Center operated for over 18 years, closing its doors in January 2023.

While working at The Wayman Center and in veterinary medicine, John also volunteered for Meals on Wheels in Dallas for several years, delivering meals on a regular route one day a week and sometimes substituting for other drivers. He enjoyed getting to know the people on his route and some were extra special to him. He considered it an honor to be able to help them.

Wanting to find a church home, a friend led them to Christ Church Plano, where they became active members, learning from Scripture and sharing faith with loving and supporting friends. Christ Church became a true home to John and Gail, and also to their two grandsons, who were baptized at the church, and even Gail’s mother, Alicia.

In February 2022, John was diagnosed with stage 4 duodenal (small intestine) cancer. He was very ill with liver failure when he received the first chemo infusion but began improving almost immediately. The side effects were minimal and John was able to continue working and enjoying life. During numerous visits to the infusion room, John became a minister to staff and fellow patients, sharing his faith as well as scripture. After 3 different chemo protocols, John decided not to try the 4th in June 2023 and started hospice. He passed peacefully in the early hours of July 2nd 2023, leaving behind numerous family and friends who are feeling the pain of losing him in their lives. During his battle with cancer, John’s love of God and calm demeanor served as a model to friends and family on how to gracefully and faithfully move through the end of life.

John was fun-loving and spirited, often laughing and telling jokes. He loved sports and was a long-time fan of the Dallas Cowboys and Texas Rangers. John was a regular on the sideline of Gail’s soccer games and her team gave him an honorary jersey with Gail’s number on it. He also cheered on his children and grandchildren at numerous sporting events. He loved eating and trying new foods, and having new adventures. He and Gail became RV’ers, enjoying camping at local lakes, and traveling as far as Maine and Michigan with their camper. He loved all kinds of music but especially classical and traditional Christian music. He loved to share his faith, most often through his love and kindness, and brought many people to Christ during his time here. He was generous and kind, and loved all of his family, especially being “Grandad” to his 7 sweet grandchildren. John was blessed with many friends, newer and long-time, and enjoyed spending time with them. He recognized and appreciated the numerous blessings over his lifetime, even in the face of hardship.

John is survived by his loving  wife Gail Wayman; children Andy Wayman and his wife Jennifer, Mary Barrett and her husband Jeff, Jake Wayman, Todd Wayman and his wife Kristen, and Grace Wayman; grandchildren Cole, Kathryn and Carson Wayman, Parker Barrett, Lane Cueva and her husband Marco, Tank and Jax Wayman and brother Gordon W Wayman III.  He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Allen Wayman.

The memorial service will take place at 11:30 a.m., Thursday, July 20th, 2023, at Christ Church Plano Chapel, officiated by the Rev. Dr. Jonathan Bailes.

There will be a reception at the church, with food and beverages provided, immediately following the service.

John will be laid to rest at the Christ Church Plano Columbarium.

If desired contributions may be made in John’s honor to John’s preferred charities. Christ Church Plano https://christchurchplano.org/give/ , Samaritan’s Purse https://www.samaritanspurse.org/our-ministry/donate-online , Visiting Nurses Association Meals on Wheels Hospice, Palliative Care & Meals on Wheels https://www.vnatexas.org or Salvation Army https://give.salvationarmyusa.org/