Obituary: Longtime local businessman Wayne Erving Roush passed away Nov. 17, 2024 at age 88

Wayne Erving Roush
10/10/1936 – 11/17/2024

A graduate of Highline High School and a forever friend to the community, Wayne Erving Roush, 88, passed away peacefully on Nov. 17, 2024.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 48 years, Ellie; his parents, Floyd and Edith; two of his siblings, Dwight and Phyllis; his stepson Teddy; and numerous other family members and friends.

He is survived by his brother, Jim Roush; his first wife, Shirley; their four children, Eric, Stacey, Paul, and Stephanie; as well as three of his four stepchildren, Pam, Cindy, and Molly. Wayne’s extremely large blended family of children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and extended family members will all miss him greatly.

Wayne’s true passion in life was service to the community. In July of 1965, he opened an automotive service and fuel station in Normandy Park, naming it Wayne’s Service Center. It was also known as “Wayne’s Mobil,” as he originally sold Mobil gasoline. At that time, there were six service stations within 1,000 feet of each other. Wayne’s Mobil was located in the southeast corner of the QFC parking lot where the Bank of America ATM is now. Nearby were Hickman’s Chevron, a Texaco station (now the Pass It On meeting hall), Jackson’s Exxon (now Shell), and a Flying “A” station (now 76), as well as a Shell station on adjoining property.

By 1980, Wayne’s Service Center was the last one standing. That year, he purchased two abandoned gas stations across First Avenue, previously the Flying “A” and Shell stations, located directly across from John Knox Church. Wayne relocated his business there, continuing to renovate and operate the property for over 40 years. He proudly ran Wayne’s Service Center and the Chevron gas station until selling the business on December 31, 2021.

For 57 years, Wayne’s business served hundreds of families across multiple generations, meeting their automotive needs. He also provided employment to more than 100 people over the years, many of whom raised their own families locally and took pride in being part of Wayne’s team.

Wayne was a dedicated supporter of the community, sponsoring local bowling teams and Little League baseball teams for decades. He is rumored to have been the longest-running Little League sponsor in the area, with plaques and trophies from as far back as the late 1960s decorating the waiting room walls of his service center.

“Thank you all for your trust and support of Dad and his ‘baby,’ Wayne’s Service Center.”

A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date.

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