Wayne Arnold Stearns

Wayne Arnold Stearns of Johnson, Vermont passed away peacefully January 2, 2025 at 90 years of age.  

Wayne was born August 13, 1934 to Leo and Ruth (Sweet) Stearns in the family home in Johnson VT. Wayne was the third generation to grow up on his family’s farm alongside his siblings Frances, Everett, Leone and Dorene.  He learned a strong work ethic early in life.  He preferred motors to horses and early on was pushing his Dad to get a tractor. He volunteered to drive their first tractor home. Wayne also enjoyed logging in the winter and sugaring in the spring and made sure that he continued it with his family. 

Wayne attended Johnson High School graduating in 1952.  After graduation he went on to work construction and he also worked for Stearns Supply in Morrisville delivering propane tanks.  In 1955 he moved to Durham, CT to work at Pratt and Whitney.  It was in Connecticut that he would be introduced to the love of his life, Betty Carolyn Main, a fellow farmer. He was drafted into the Army in 1956 and stationed in Germany.  After active service he remained in the Army Reserves until 1963.   

On October 7, 1961 Wayne and Betty were married and had four children, Brian, Charles (Chuck), Laurie and Craig.  Craig passed away shortly after birth. In 1963 they bought their own dairy farm in East Johnson and operated it until 1993. He served on multiple farm related boards, and in 1985 they were awarded Farm Family of the Year by Vermont Farm Bureau.  Wayne also spent many years while farming and afterwards doing dirt work with his own line of equipment.  He was a skilled equipment operator.  

Wayne was a dedicated, loving, hardworking son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, uncle and friend.  Wayne also cared for Betty when she was struggling with Alzheimer’s and health issues. He took care of her right up until she passed in 2003. He enjoyed sharing memories from his past with his grandchildren; Jennifer, Michael, Allen, James, William and Courtney as well as his many great grandchildren and anyone who wanted to listen. 

Wayne was predeceased by his parents, wife Betty, son Craig, brother Everett, sister Frances.  He is survived by his children Brian Stearns and wife Sarah, Charles (Chuck) Stearns and partner Christine, Laurie Pavlovich and husband Greg, six grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren, sisters Leone Lanphear and Dorene Bocock, sister-in-law Marilyn Stearns, nephews and nieces. 

Wayne was known and respected by many in the community and will be missed by those that had the opportunity to know him.  

Many thanks to the employees of The Manor for their care of Wayne the last two years and to Lamoille Home Health and Hospice. 

At Wayne’s request there will be no services.  

Any contributions in Wayne’s memory may be made to the Lamoille Home Health and Hospice, 54 Farr Avenue, Morrisville VT 05661.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Wayne Arnold Stearns, please visit our floral store.