Wayne Stewart Monroe died May 18, 2020, at the age 82 at his home in Butte, Montana, with Beverly, his wife of 46 years, by his side. Wayne was born January 13, 1938, in Oakland, California, and moved to Butte in 2005. Having visited Beverly’s hometown often during their marriage, Wayne was sure Butte was the place for them to share their golden years. Beverly was not so certain, but after living and working in Los Angeles and Phoenix for many years, Butte was indeed just right.
Wayne attended Mt. San Antonio College receiving an A.A. degree and California State University Los Angeles with a B.A. degree in social sciences and was president of the Letterman’s Society and a member of the Athletic Board of Control there.
He taught at Don Bosco Technical Institute for more than four years as a social studies teacher affiliated with the Western History Association and as a coach. He was employed as sports editor and a sports writer for a number of newspapers and publications.
He was a member of the Baseball Writers Association of America, Southern California Football Writers Association, Southern California Basketball Writers Association and on the Board of Directors of the Greater San Gabriel Valley Football Foundation and Hall of Fame.
He was also on the staff of the Daily Racing Form in Los Angeles and Phoenix. He was the official scorer for the LA Dodgers for 9 years. Highlights of those years included two no hitter games and being a member of the All Star Team. He was the only resident of Butte who was eligible to vote for the inductees into the Baseball Hall of Fame.
Wayne and Bev enjoyed traveling. For their first out of country adventure, they applied for passports to go to London to see the musical, Miss Saigon. That was the beginning of their travels to more than 20 countries together.
Wayne’s parents, Larry Monroe and Lucille Stewart Sullivan died many years ago and he is survived by his wife, Beverly Kuecks Monroe of Butte, his sister, Judith Kucera of Concord, many nieces, nephews and cousins, and Beverly’s brothers, Ron (Joyce) Kuecks of Butte, and Paul (Melody) Kuecks of Wyoming and their families.
The family would like to thank the staff at Senior Solutions for their compassion and support during this time.
A memorial service celebrating his life will be held at 11 A.M. on August 7th at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 2300 Florence Avenue in Butte
Memorials may be made to Gloria Dei Lutheran Church or donations to charity.
Please visit below to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Wayne. Axelson Funeral and Cremation Services has been privileged to care for Wayne and his family.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
11:00 a.m.
Friday August 7, 2020
Gloria Dei Lutheran Church
2300 Florence Avenue
Butte, Montana 59701
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
11:00 a.m.
Friday August 7, 2020
Gloria Dei Lutheran Church
2300 Florence Avenue
Butte, Montana 59701
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Jeremy Kuecks says
Love you Wayne and Bev so much. Our prayers and thoughts are with you. We will miss hearing Waynes glory stories from the past. Bev, sorry you have to go through this time without your best friend. I know it’s not easy, the family is here for you. Look forward to spending time with you this summer at the cabin.
Love the Utah Kuecks
judi searing says
To Beverly and her family,
We loved you both and lived Wayne for being David Best Friend for life. He will always have that special place in my heart 🙏🏻🥰.
Our prayers and thoughts
Love Judi Searing and the Searing Fanily
Jerry Searing says
Wayne was one of the good guys. Very caring man. I have known him since I was a little guy. Loved the horses. He will be missed. RIP. Say hi to Mom And Dave. Jerry Searing
Jack Zaraya says
Hi Beverly, I worked for the Daily Racing Form in New Jersey at the same time Wayne did in L.A. and we talked on the phone daily. Then, in the fall of 1988, you and Wayne came east for a Dodger-Met playoff game and I met you in Manhattan for lunch. We walked around, and I remember you, a Montana girl, saying you would move to the city in a heartbeat. I was so impressed. A year or two later, I went west and Wayne got us tickets to a Yankee-Angel game. Re our deskwork at the paper, Wayne was a straight shooter and always expressed his opinion no matter the consequences. I remember him saying, “What can they do, fire me?” That impressed me as well. He was an unforgettable man.
Joe Rosen says
My wife, Carole, and I recall spending several wonderful days sightseeing with Wayne and his wife while we were both in Toronto on a business trip for the Racing Form. We shared a lot of laughs and some excellent meals. We also spent a lot of phone time booking up shared interests between the Hightstown, NJ, and L. A. DRF offices.
Bonnie Sagar says
Bev
We are thinking of you and praying for you .
We were so blessed to have known both of you. Thank you for coming to Spring Creek NV. We cherish our time with you both. Joey and I will miss seeing Wayne in Church.
You both have touched our lives in ways that we will carry with forever!
We are wrapping our arms around you
Joey and Bonnie Sagar