Born on April 2, 1933 in Grange, Pennsylvania, Wayne was the son of the late Clark and Mildred Young Plyler.
Wayne graduated from Punxsutawney High School in 1951, attended Transylvania Bible Institute and Nyack College, and graduated from Nyack Missionary College in 1958 and Wesley Theological Seminary in 1997.
As an ordained minister Rev. Plyler served 32 years for the Christian and Missionary Alliance and 14 additional years as a certified local pastor of United Methodist Church. Rev. Plyler pastored throughout Pennsylvania in Crawford, Indiana, Westmoreland, Allegheny, Clearfield and Fayette counties, including his beloved churches in Linesville, Clymer, Verona, McPherron, Ohiopyle, Smithfield/Fairchance, Connellsville/East Connellsville and Arona/Hermine.
In addition to his ministry, Wayne was a skilled contractor. His remarkable craftsmanship is exhibited through his woodworking and household improvements as well as his construction of additions, new homes, cottages, and churches. His children have many fond memories working by his side and are grateful for the values, skills, and ethics learned through his tremendous example.
Rev. Plyler was a man of great faith, putting God, his family and friends, his church and Mahaffey Camp before himself. He demonstrated his love by always giving selflessly through acts of service.
Wayne enjoyed his rural home, long drives through the country, tractors and farming, gardening and mowing, reading, building and puzzles, working outside or in his beloved wood shop, and attending his Punxsutawney High School class of 1951 monthly reunions. He loved time with his wife Janet, listening to her play the piano and organ, singing and playing board games together and sharing life’s adventures. He enjoyed his children and grandchildren’s music, sports and academic endeavors and took pride in watching them grow, relishing time spent with each of them. Wayne could always be found chatting and laughing with neighbors and friends who often said, “He was the best friend and neighbor I’ve ever had.”
Wayne is survived by his wife of more than 65 years: Janet Allen Plyler; four children: Dondra (Paul) Decker, Allen (Helen) Plyler, Darlene (Ray) Sexton, and Donetta (Ivo) Tchoroleev; nine grandchildren: James (Natalie), Grace (Joe), Elizabeth (Christian), Joel, Addison, Jacob, Caelan, Lyndon, and Nolan; five great grandchildren: Michelle, Josiah, Jordan, Judah, and Eric Xavier; five siblings: Doris Randall, Blair Plyler, Thelma Kitner, Eleanor (Herbert) Wharton, and Darrell (Shirley) Plyler; sister-in-law: Ruth Plyler; and a wealth of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. “Continue on. I want to see you all in Heaven.” ~ Wayne
In addition to his parents, Wayne was preceded in death by his brother Leonard Plyler, sisters (and brothers-in-law); Alverda (Frank) Milliron, Dorothy (Merle) Beck, and Helen (John) McMillen, (John Kitner).
Friends will be received on Friday, August 26 from 2-4 and 6-8 pm at the Bowser Minich Funeral Home, 500 Ben Franklin Road South, Indiana. Additional viewing will be held from 10 am until the time of service at 11 am, on Saturday, August 27, at the Indiana Alliance Church, 2510 Warren Road, Indiana, with the Rev. Marv Nelson officiating. Burial will take place in Oakland Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made in honor of Rev. Wayne L. Plyler to the Mahaffey Camp and Conference Center, 1559 Mahaffey Grampian Hwy, Mahaffey, PA 15757.
Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.bowserminich.com
