ATKINS   William Wayne McLarty, 79, died Wednesday, August 27, 2008, in Mercy Medical Center, Cedar Rapids following a sudden illness.
     Services: 10:30 a.m., Tuesday September 2, 2008 at St. Stephens Lutheran Church, Atkins by the Rev. Douglas Woltemath. Burial: St. Stephens Cemetery, near Atkins, with military rites. Family and Friends may call from 3:00 to 7:00pm Monday and after 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, at the church.
Survivors include two daughters: Carla McLarty of Cedar Rapids and Cathy Arnold and husband Tim of Nipomo, California; two granddaughters; Whitney Arnold of Tacoma, Washington and Gwendolynn Arnold of Nipomo, California; two sisters; Avis Key of Kingsport, Tennessee and Faye Birky of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; two sisters-in-law; Maxine McLarty of Arley, Alabama and Pamela Vierling and husband Frank of Youngsville, North Carolina, several cousins, nieces and nephews; and a special family friend Don Bender.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Sondra, March 31, 2007; his brothers Bruce and Gene McLarty; sister, Violet Davison; brothers-in-law, William Key and Bill Birky and sister-in-law Josie McLarty.
Wayne was born January 5, 1929 in Arley Alabama to Thomas and Fleta (Lindley) McLarty. He graduated from Meek High School in Arley, in 1947. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army. Wayne was united in marriage to Sondra Lee Green on December 21, 1958 at St. Stephens Lutheran Church, Atkins. Wayne was employed at the Atkins Post Office as a Rural Mail Carrier and later at the Fairfax Post Office, retiring in 1996. Wayne was a member of St. Stephens Lutheran Church and the Adolph H. Schueller American Legion Post #217 of Atkins.  He served on the Atkins Volunteer Fire Department for many years. Wayne loved his family, especially his granddaughters. He enjoyed reading, Iowa Women's Basketball games, and traveling.
The family would like to thank the ICU at Mercy Medical Center, especially Andy, and our family and friends for all the compassion shown to us during this difficult time.
Phillips Funeral Home, Vinton, is in charge of arrangements.