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John Wayne Rathke was born on September 5, 1944, in Kerrville, Texas. He was the second of six boys born to Benjamin Franklin Rathke and Olive Louise Jacoby. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Floyd David Rathke.
John Wayne is survived by his beloved wife of over 62 years, Carolyn Clark Rathke. He leaves behind three cherished children: Marvin Rathke and wife Kim; Tanja Waxler and husband Rusty; and Jes Rathke and wife Jody Tyler-Rathke. He was a proud and devoted grandfather to six grandchildren-Chase, Chance, Chandler, Tyler, and Braidi Rathke, and Wyatt “Rooster” Waxler. He is also survived by his brothers, Calvin, Arnold, Bennie, and Edmund Rathke.
Known to many friends as Wayne, he was lovingly called John, JW, Papa, and Uncle by his family.
John Wayne was an outstanding athlete at Tivy High School, graduating in 1963. He went on to attend Howard Payne University, where he earned both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees, graduating in 1968/1969. He began his coaching career at Longview High School before returning to Howard Payne as both a faculty member and coach. During his nine years there, he coached football and track, shaping the lives of countless young athletes.
He later continued his career at Brownwood Junior High and Brownwood High School, where he coached and taught from 1978 to 1999. He and his wife then moved to Katy, Texas, where they both continued teaching until their retirement in 2004. In retirement, they moved to Missouri, returned to Kerrville in 2008, and eventually settled in Mountain Home in 2011, where he resided until his passing.
A devoted husband, loving father and grandfather, respected teacher, coach, mentor, and loyal friend, John Wayne Rathke was an inspiration to all who knew him.
There is a saying that a person dies twice: once when they take their last breath, and again when their name is no longer spoken.
So say his name. John Wayne Rathke.
The memorial service will be held at 2:00 PM, Saturday, April 18, 2026, at Grimes Funeral Chapels, Kerrville, Texas.
John Wayne is survived by his beloved wife of over 62 years, Carolyn Clark Rathke. He leaves behind three cherished children: Marvin Rathke and wife Kim; Tanja Waxler and husband Rusty; and Jes Rathke and wife Jody Tyler-Rathke. He was a proud and devoted grandfather to six grandchildren-Chase, Chance, Chandler, Tyler, and Braidi Rathke, and Wyatt “Rooster” Waxler. He is also survived by his brothers, Calvin, Arnold, Bennie, and Edmund Rathke.
Known to many friends as Wayne, he was lovingly called John, JW, Papa, and Uncle by his family.
John Wayne was an outstanding athlete at Tivy High School, graduating in 1963. He went on to attend Howard Payne University, where he earned both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees, graduating in 1968/1969. He began his coaching career at Longview High School before returning to Howard Payne as both a faculty member and coach. During his nine years there, he coached football and track, shaping the lives of countless young athletes.
He later continued his career at Brownwood Junior High and Brownwood High School, where he coached and taught from 1978 to 1999. He and his wife then moved to Katy, Texas, where they both continued teaching until their retirement in 2004. In retirement, they moved to Missouri, returned to Kerrville in 2008, and eventually settled in Mountain Home in 2011, where he resided until his passing.
A devoted husband, loving father and grandfather, respected teacher, coach, mentor, and loyal friend, John Wayne Rathke was an inspiration to all who knew him.
There is a saying that a person dies twice: once when they take their last breath, and again when their name is no longer spoken.
So say his name. John Wayne Rathke.
The memorial service will be held at 2:00 PM, Saturday, April 18, 2026, at Grimes Funeral Chapels, Kerrville, Texas.