Dr. Ivan Wayne Straight, the son of Joseph and Norma (Lighter) Straight, was born Feb. 23, 1928, in Langdon, Iowa. Wayne served his country in the U.S. Army from 1946-1948. He attended Buena Vista College and went on to graduate from the Illinois College of Optometry in Chicago in 1953.  He practiced Optometry in Webster City, Iowa, from 1954 until 1963 when he moved to Newton, Iowa.  On June 26, 1964, Wayne was united in marriage with Ann Mills in Omaha, Neb. He practiced in Newton until his retirement in 1996.  

Wayne was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. He enjoyed gardening, reading, singing with In Persons and the First United Methodist Church choir. He was very active in the Newton Community Theatre and the Newton Noon Kiwanis.  He was an active board member of Project AWAKE and the Newton Arboretum. He was a member of the Iowa Optometric Association.  Among his favorite memories were family camping trips throughout the United States and Canada.

Wayne died on Thursday, Dec. 6, 2012, at the Skiff Medical Center. He was 84 years old. Wayne was preceded in death by his parents; his step-father, Lyle Simpson; his brother-in-law, Robert Steig and a son-in-law, Jim Skarda.