Wayne Edwin Bertrand

Wayne Edwin Bertrand of Madison, Alabama was called home by the Lord on December 27, 2022.  Wayne was born in Port Arthur, Texas on November 13, 1948.  He graduated as Valedictorian from Stephen F. Austin High School in Port Acres, Texas.  Upon graduation in 1967, he was accepted into the United States Air Force Academy, but after a year of college he chose to enlist in the Air Force in 1969 to serve during the Vietnam War.  He was stationed at a radar site in Southern California and was selected as Airman of the Year in 1971.  

After serving his military duty, he worked many years as an electrical/electronics engineer for General Electric Corporation in conjunction to NASA Johnson Space Center on the Space Shuttle. He then proceeded with a long career in corporate management at Benchmark Electronics.  He loved his work and was fortunate enough to be relocated many times over the years, which allowed him to enjoy new places and make many new friends along the way.  He eventually settled in Madison, Alabama where he finished out his career and retired in 2021.  

Wayne is survived by his loving wife of 41 years, Lisa Bertrand, son Chris Bertrand (Laura) of Boise, Idaho, daughters Wendi Tarver (Justin) of League City, Texas, Heather Smith (Ryan) of Colorado Springs, Colorado, and Julie Bertrand of Madison, Alabama, brother, Glenn Bertrand of Rosharon, Texas, sister Lori Plaster (Dan) of Valdez, Alaska, 12 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by his parents Mines E. Bertrand and Jeanette M. Bertrand of Esterwood, Louisiana and brother Richard E. Bertrand of Crowley, Louisiana.  

Wayne was intelligent and generous, loved listening to music and was a vivid storyteller.  He could capture the attention of an entire room when he told a story and he loved to make people laugh.  He was an avid sports enthusiast and watched any and every game that he could.  One of his greatest passions in life was to travel and he was always planning a trip, even up until his final days. Wayne will always be remembered for his gentle and kind demeanor, his goofy sense of humor and terrible Dad jokes, but he will mostly be remembered for his unwavering love and devotion to his wife and family.

Funeral services will be held, Tuesday, January 3, 2023, at 11:00 am, Faith Lutheran Church in Madison, Alabama, followed by a Graveside service at Maple Hill Cemetery in Huntsville, Alabama.

Visitation will be held on Monday, January 2, from 5:00-8:00 p.m. at Legacy Chapel Funeral Home in Madison, Alabama.