Cedric Wayne Cothran

Cedric Wayne Cothran, 54, of Wichita, KS, passed with his loving family near, at the Robert Dole Veteran Medical Hospital in Kansas. After graduating from 96 High School, he served in the United States Army for 3 ½ years, stationed at Fort Jackson and in Germany. He entered Sparten College of Aeronautics and completed a Bachelor and Masters Degree from Oklahoma State University. Wayne was wickedly smart but equally humble. He was never one to brag about his many accomplishments. He had an impressive career in aviation with highlights including working as a top rated flight instructor at Flight Safety International. Before coming to Wichita he was co-owner of a flight school in Tulsa, being named Flight instructor of the Year in OK multiple times and serving as a Captain for Southwest Airlines. Wayne was a gifted teacher that inspired many flight students to fulfill their own dreams of “taking to the skies”. His warmth and humor turned many a former student into a lasting friend. As passionate as he was about his career there was no job that meant more to him than being a devoted father. Wayne was unfailingly kind and generous and much preferred giving to others than receiving. He would have given the shirt off his back to any friend or family member in need without a second thought. Wayne was an avid sports fan (especially Clemson football and MLB Baseball) who could quote sports trivia to anyone willing to listen. He also enjoyed traveling, playing poker, eating delicious food, playing competitive board games and debating politics. Wayne was not shy about sharing his opinions but even quicker to share his love. Wayne faced his battle with a brain cancer with courage and grace never losing his southern gentleman’s manners or his sense of humor.

The son of Cecil Adams Cothran and Patricia Frances Alewine Burgess, with a step father, Dale Lee Burgess and a sister, Gina Cothran Williams. Wayne also had a second family, Darrel E. Hutchison Sr. and Jo Ann Alewine Durst with a brother (Eddie) Edwin Hutchison Jr. and a sister, Jennifer Hutchison. He was predeceased by great grandmother, Gladys Clark Alewine (Fannie) from Monetta, SC, grandfather, Clarence Richard Alewine and his wife, Ruby Douglas Alewine. He married Christine McAward and has a son, Jay Richard Cothran (Zoey), who is presently serving in the US Army stationed at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. He was a wonderful father to Megan Smith (Alex) and Brittany Allen (Daniel) and a grandfather to Lilly Ann Smith and Daniel Allen. Wayne’s nieces: Kayla Cothran Cochcroft (Cory), Ashley Williams, Whitley Williams, Emmalie Hutchison and a nephew, Lucas Hutchison were a big part of his life. Wayne had one uncle, Clarence James (Jimmy) Alewine and was a brother to his many aunts: Diane Burgess, Kim Alewine, Paula Alewine Parks, Linda Harmon, and has newly found aunt, Danielle Klein. Also, he was blessed with 11 great nieces and nephews: Dai’marcus, Makenzie, Khloe, Paisley, Pressley, Jaiden, Tyson, Jace, Brooklyn, Kaiden, Kayson. Wayne was currently engaged to Diane Elizabeth Macready who was a loving caretaker along with her mother, Kathy Macready and father, Max Macready, while Wayne battled his diagnosis of a Glioblastoma brain tumor.

The funeral service for Wayne will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Friday, May 20th at Milton Shealy Funeral Home. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Active pallbearers include: Edwin Hutchison, Joshua Parks, Phil Burgess, Chris Burgess, Dai’marcus Brown, Wayne Weir. Honorary pallbearers include: Hugh Parks, Larry McCormick, Ricky McCormick, Conner McCormick, Hernan Lopez, Stan Sanders, Brant Vickers, Don Beach, Warren Grisby.


Memorials can be sent to Robert Dole Veterans Medical Hospital HOSPICE FACILITY, 5500 E Kellogg Ave, Wichita, KS 67218.