Wayne Lee Faris

Wayne Lee Faris

7/7/1948 - 2/19/2025

Wayne Faris, 76, of Omaha, Nebraska, passed away on February 19, 2025, after a lifetime of spreading joy and laughter to all who knew him.

Wayne was born on July 7, 1948, in Nebraska City, Nebraska to proud parents Randall Lee Faris and Margaret Jean Balfour of Dunbar, NE. He was preceded in death by both of his parents and is survived by his Daughter Bailey (Bobby) Allen of Barry, Illinois, Step-son Mitchell Schroder of Lincoln, Nebraska, sister Virginia (Bill) Major of Sidney, Nebraska and his brother Ken (Diane) Faris of Plattsmouth, Nebraska and several grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

He attended Lincoln North East High School, where he graduated in 1966 before pursuing higher education at the University of Lincoln.

Wayne enlisted in the Navy July 14, 1969 and was stationed at Pensacola, Florida and later deployed to Panama. He worked in Cryptographic Machine Operations and Special Communications. He was awarded a National Defense Service Medal and was Honorably Discharged June 9, 1973. He completed his higher education at University of Lincoln after his military discharge.

He Married Sherri George in 1991 and became step-father to Mitchell Schroder. Wayne and Sherri had 1 daughter born of their marriage, Bailey Elizabeth Faris in 1993. They divorced in 2005.

Wayne dedicated much of his life to serving others, having worked at a few different Non-Profit organizations during his life including Mat Talbot Kitchen in Lincoln, NE and a food pantry in Chadron, NE.

Wayne was a brilliant cook and worked for several restaurants over the years and also cooked at Nebraska Lutheran Outdoor Ministries' Carol Joy Holling Camp In Ashland, NE where he lived on site for several years before Moving to Omaha where he worked for Treat America until his retirement in 2024.

Wayne had several hobbies during his life. He was a outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting, fishing and even rock climbing in his younger years. He enjoyed photography and working on computers and he was a Ham Radio operator. He was a long time member of the Lincoln Lancaster Radio Club in Lincoln, Ne. His Ham radio call sign was KE0BZ and many friends in the radio community called him "Kabeezy".

Wayne also thoroughly enjoyed homebrewing beer. He called his homebrewing operation "Bugeater's Brewing Company". He was involved with "The Brewing Network" and the "South Omaha Brewers". He had many friends in the homebrewing communities who he socialized with often both online and in person. He was known as "Bugeater" or "Boog" to many of his friends. He was a regular staple at all brewing events and could always be seen showing off his scott/irish heritage by wearing his kilt. He won several Homebrewing competitions including in 2007 he won both 1st , 2nd and 3rd place in a Halloween challenge for his India Pale Ale (1st), Smoked, Wood Aged & Specialty beer (2nd) and Belgian Strong Ale (3rd). One of his most loved and well known recipes was his Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Beer which many people have brewed but always attested that he brewed it better.

Wayne could always be found at many of the local breweries talking with his friends. Known for his quick wit and infectious smile, Wayne will be remembered for his love of life, family, and friends. He brought light into every room he entered and will be deeply missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.

Wayne Faris, your legacy of love and laughter will live on in the hearts of those who were lucky enough to call you a friend. KE0BZ *Silent Key* Rest In Peace.

Quotes from loved ones:

Brady Cox

Wayne was obviously very respected and revered in the community. He was a man that good people used as an example of how to be in the world. I will miss him more than he would ever expect, which I regret.

Justin Crossley

I’m so very sorry to hear this. Boog (as we knew him) was just so kind and sweet and happy every time I saw him in his element…with us beer nerds. It was an honor to have spent time with him. I’m sorry for your loss. It is our loss too and he is already missed.

Funeral Service: Wednesday, February 26 at 2 pm, with visitation from 1-2 pm, at Braman Mortuary Millard Chapel, 6505 S. 144th St., Omaha, NE.  Graveside Service: Thursday, February 27 at 11 am at Omaha National Cemetery with full military honors