Obituaries : Wayne “Bill” Hampton

Wayne "Bill" Hampton was born in Lineville, IA on February 20, 1935, to Lelah Mae Massey and Harl Leland Hampton. He went to be with Jesus on March 11, 2024, after a long and courageous battle with Alzheimer's Disease.

He is survived by his wife Belinha of 46 years, Cedar Rapids; daughter Melissa Catalana (Mark) and grandchildren Mitchell and Lydia Peters all of Fenton, MO; nephews Doug Budner (Kathy) and Paul Budner, all of Phoenix, AZ; as well as sons John, Mike, Dan and Chris, of FL. He is preceded in death by his mother and father, as well as his sister, Ethyl Budner, Sun Lakes, AZ and niece Barbara, Phoenix, AZ.

After high school, Bill served in the US Air Force for four years. Once out, he tried his hand as an insurance salesman, before finding his true passion on the Highway Patrol. Bill served on the Iowa Highway Patrol for 33 years, serving in Benton County. He was known as Sergeant #349. While he enjoyed serving alongside his fellow Patrolmen/women, a highlight in his career was escorting Coach Hayden Fry at the Iowa home football games. Once retired from the Iowa Highway Patrol, he served his community as a US Court Marshall at the Federal Courthouse in Cedar Rapids. Bill belonged to the Rotary Club of Cedar Rapids, and enjoyed the MC honor at many breakfasts.

Bill was a kind, generous man who never met a stranger. He cherished his wife and together they modeled a strong, loving marriage. He would attend coffee shops and tea rooms for Belinha. Belinha would attend swap meets and car auctions for Bill. They each put the other first.

An avid classic car collector, he could be known to be driving down the road, notice a portion of a car tail light or fender in a garage, put the car he was driving in reverse, and after a knock on the door of a once stranger, he'd met a new friend to discuss the history of the car unearthed in the garage out back. Many hours were spent waiting in the car for Bill to return and share his excitement. Although the excitement may not have been shared at the time, over the years, we learned to accept this as part of the routine. Bill's love of classic cars has yielded an appreciation of all cars amongst family members. For many years, Bill and other family members would make a trek to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, as well as the Daytona International Speedway, to cheer on their favorite drivers.

The staff at Methwick cared effortlessly for Bill, and with such grace, while allowing him to maintain his dignity. Their love and respect for him was so very much appreciated, and did not go unnoticed.

Bill loved music, and had a beautiful voice. He is surely singing with the angels.

A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on March 30, 2024, at Murdoch-Linwood Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Cedar Rapids, with a visitation one hour prior.

Please share a memory of Bill at www.murdochfuneralhome.com under obituaries.