John Wayne Catlett, affectionately known as “Wayne,” age 93, of Winchester, Virginia, passed away peacefully on Monday, September 14, 2026, at Winchester Medical Center.
Wayne was born on August 19, 1933, in Brunswick, Maryland, to the late John Harley Catlett and Mable Jean (Thompson) Catlett. He was a proud graduate of Brunswick High School, where he served as Class President.
A veteran of the United States Army, Wayne honorably served his country. Following his military service, he began a dedicated 34-year career as an IT programmer with the Federal Government at the IRS, where he worked until his retirement.
Wayne was a member of Greenway Baptist Church in Stephens City. A simple, down-to-earth man, Wayne found his greatest joy in spending time with his family. He was a gifted cartoon artist who enjoyed painting and was a devoted animal lover. He and his beloved wife also shared many happy years square dancing together.
On April 20, 1957, Wayne married the love of his life, Dianne Shirley (Hubbard) Catlett, in New York. They shared 69 years of marriage, and Dianne survives him.
Along with his wife, Wayne is survived by his daughter, Susan Henderson; daughter-in-law, Cindy Catlett; sister, Cheryl Ann Pyles; grandchildren, Eric Henderson, Jennifer Simon and her husband,
Gregory, and Laura Hawkins and her husband, Brian; and great-grandchildren, Brooke Drake, and Zoey Simon.
In addition to his parents, Wayne was preceded in death by his son, John David Catlett; his son-in-law, Don Henderson; and his beloved Shih Tzu, Bo.
Wayne will be remembered as a kind and unassuming man who valued family, cherished the simple joys of life, and gave his love generously to those around him. His family and friends will hold dear the many memories of his gentle spirit, artistic gifts, love of animals, and the life he shared with Dianne.
Services for Wayne will be private.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Wayne’s honor to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, P.O. Box 1000, Dept. 142, Memphis, TN 38148.