
With heavy hearts, the family of Wayne Middleton, Sr. announces his peaceful passing at home on Saturday, July 12, 2025, while surrounded by his loving family.
Wayne Middleton, Sr. was a man of quiet strength, deep compassion, and unwavering dedication—to his family, his faith, his work, and his country. A devoted husband, loving father and grandfather, proud veteran, and hardworking provider, Wayne’s life was a testament to commitment and grace.
Wayne proudly served in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War. His patriotic service to his country was a source of lifelong pride, and he carried the values of duty, discipline, and honor with him throughout his life.
Following his military service, Wayne built a long and respected career as a machinist at the Gulf Refinery, where he was a proud member of the International Association of Machinists Union for over 50 years. After completing that chapter of his life, he continued working as a cashier—a role he took just as seriously. A perfectionist by nature, Wayne would spend hours searching for a discrepancy if his drawer was off, even by a single penny.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Elizabeth Middleton, the love of his life. From the beginning of their marriage to the end of his days, he lovingly called her “my sweetheart,” a term that reflected their deep and enduring bond.
He raised his son, Wayne Middleton, Jr., with special love and guidance, passing down his values of integrity, strength, and kindness. He was also proud to claim Angela Hodge (James), Walter Langley (Judy), and Shannon Langley as his own—children embraced with love and pride.
Wayne adored his family and loved them with fullness—fiercely, patiently, and unconditionally. He was the proud grandfather of Jennifer Hodge, James Hodge, Jr., Kirsten Langley, Douglas Langley, Lauren Michelle, Deanna Langley, Jared Hodge, and Jeffrey Hodge, and “Grandpa” to Marcos, Jasmine, Ryan, Julia, Athena, Kallie, Harmony, Annalise, and Kadrian.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Cleo and Nadine (Mulinax) Middleton; son, Wayne Middleton, Jr; granddaughter, Racheal Langley; sister, Diana Middleton; and nephew Larry Ross; each whose memory he cherished deeply.
Wayne loved to travel, enjoyed square dancing with his sweetheart, and was a passionate Dallas Cowboys fan. His family—especially the Texans fans—loved to tease him about their rivalry, and he returned the banter with a grin and unwavering loyalty to “America’s Team.”
Family, friends, and community members are invited to gather at 9:00 AM on Saturday, July 19, 2025 at Deweyville United Pentecostal Church in Deweyville, Texas in remembrance and gratitude for the love, wisdom, and guidance he shared so generously. Following the Visitation, a funeral service to honor and celebrate Wayne’s life will be held at 11:00 AM. There will be a small break after the funeral service, after which everyone will meet for the Internment service at Oaks Bluff Cemetery in Port Neches, Texas at 1:30 PM
Serving as pallbearers will be: James Hodge, Jr; Douglas Langley; Jared Hodge; Jeffrey Hodge; Walter Langley; and James Hodge, Sr.
Though Wayne Middleton, Sr. has departed from this life, his presence will be felt in every story retold, every value passed down, and every memory cherished. He leaves behind a legacy of love, service, laughter, and devotion.
May he rest in eternal peace, and may we honor his memory by living with the same quiet strength, loyalty, and love that he gave so freely.
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