Wayne Russell Elings

Wayne Russell Elings, age 85, passed away on November 25, 2025 at home in Napa, California.  He was a cherished husband, father, grandfather, and friend and his presence will be deeply missed.  

Wayne was born in Los Angeles on March 15, 1940, to Frank C. Elings and Dixie Lee Elings.  Growing up in Southern California fostered a deep love for the beach, surfing, sunny weather, and cars of his day.  

After graduating high school, Wayne served two years with the United States Navy before attending college.  Wayne started his career in computer information systems in El Segundo where he met the love of his life, Judy E. Elings.  They were married on Valentines Day 1968, and shortly thereafter, started a family in Sunnyvale.  Wayne helped design a new data center for Apple Computer which brought them to Napa in 1992.  Napa has been home ever since.

Wayne was a skilled handyman and completed jobs both large and small around the house, including a major remodel of the family home.  His passion, however, was restoring classic cars.  In his free time, Wayne could be found reading Hot Rod Magazines, touring car shows and swap meets, wrenching in the garage, or hanging out with the car club guys.     

Nothing made Wayne happier than having the entire family together.  He was always helpful to others and the protector of the family.  Every time Judy left the house, he would watch her drive away to double check that her brake lights worked.  If you came to visit, he would make sure your windshield was clean before you left.  He had a great sense of humor and loved to laugh. He watched western movies and listened to classic country music.  He was organized, neat and tidy and everything had a place.  He absolutely did not cook, but he loved to eat.  And that magnificent mustache was his claim to fame; always combed and shaped to perfection.  

Wayne was the best husband, an amazing father, and a loving grandfather to his three grandsons who refer to him as “Papa” or “Pop.”  He is missed dearly but we are comforted by his faith in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.       

Wayne is survived by his wife of 57 years, Judy Elings; his son, Brian Wayne Elings; his daughter Brandie DeRuiter; and his grandsons Jeremy DeRuiter, Justin DeRuiter, and Reece Wayne Elings.

No services will be held.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to https://t2t.org/ an organization Wayne felt strongly about.

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