F. Wayne Stidham

RICHMOND, Ind. – F. Wayne Stidham, age 101, of Richmond, Indiana, died Tuesday, April 24, 2018, at Friends Fellowship Community. Born August 10, 1916, in Richmond, Indiana, to Edmund and Nora Hampton Stidham, Wayne spent most of his life in Richmond. The youngest of seven children, he began working at age 12 at Hartzler’s Grocery. Wayne was a 1934 graduate of Morton High School. He attended Richmond Business College in 1935. Wayne began a 50 year career at Second National Bank in 1937. He served in the U.S. Army during WWII, drafted in 1945 and was stationed at Fort McClellan and Fort Benjamin Harrison where he attended the Army Finance School. Wayne served at Fort Knox as paymaster, being discharged in 1947. He continued with his education, graduating from Earlham’s Institute for Executives in 1957 and from the University of Wisconsin School of Banking in 1959. In 1962, Wayne became the President of Second National and continued as such until 1974. After serving as Chairman of Second National Corporation for 13 years, he retired from the bank in 1987. Wayne was an active member of The Committee of 100, being instrumental in the rebuilding of downtown Richmond after the 1968 explosion. He helped retain Wayne Works by securing land for the plant on Williamsburg Pike. Wayne, along with 24 other businessmen, also secured land for Ivy Tech in the seventies, which has developed into the IU East and Ivy Tech Community College campuses. Additionally, he was instrumental in the development of the Wayne County Area Chamber of Commerce and Reid Hospital Foundation, serving as its first President. In 2015, Wayne was inducted into the Junior Achievement Hall of Fame. Survivors include his three children, John E. Stidham of San Francisco, California, and David (Carla) Stidham and Susan J. (Bob) Stidham Ferrell, both of Richmond; five grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife of 71 years, Frances J. Loschiavo Stidham, who died June 1, 2009; parents; and siblings. Memorial service for F. Wayne Stidham will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, April 30, 2018, at Friends Fellowship Community Room, 2030 Chester Boulevard, Richmond with Doug Gwyn officiating. Entombment will be in the Earlham Memorial Mausoleum. Arrangements are being handled by Doan & Mills Funeral Home, 790 National Road West, Richmond. Wayne was an avid handball player at the YMCA and had a passion for conservation and nature. Memorial contributions may be made to: Cope Environmental Center, 1730 Airport Road, Centerville, IN 47330 or Richmond Family YMCA, 1215 South J Street Richmond, IN 47374. Condolences may be sent to the family via the guest book at www.doanmillsfuneralhome.com.

F. Wayne Stidham

August 10, 1916 - April 24, 2018