Wayne Emil Skrhak

Wayne Skrhak was born in November 1946, in Taylor, Texas, to Emil and Gladys Skrhak. He was raised on the family farm outside Thrall, Texas, in the Noack Community, where he learned from an early age the meaning of hard work, family, and a deep connection to the land.

As a young boy growing up on the farm, Wayne began driving a tractor at just eight years old—not just any tractor, but a red Farmall. Throughout the 1950s, he helped his parents with the many chores of daily farm life, working the land and learning the skills and values that would remain with him throughout his life.

Wayne attended St. Mary’s School in Taylor before continuing his education at Thrall High School. It was there that he met his sweetheart, Carol Jean Widmer. During high school, Wayne was an active member of the Future Farmers of America (FFA), where he showed steers named Peat and Repeat. He also proudly played football for the Thrall Tigers.

Following his graduation from high school, Wayne was drafted into the United States Navy, where he chose to serve his country. He completed three tours of duty during the Vietnam War. During his military service, his sweetheart Carol worked at TRS in Austin, Texas. After returning home and receiving an honorable discharge from active duty, Wayne married his sweetheart on June 7, 1969.

Wayne enrolled at Southwest Texas University in San Marcos, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree and later a Master’s degree in Education. During his college years, Wayne and Carol lived in South Austin, and he worked building cabinets. His work further developed the woodworking and craftsmanship skills he had cultivated through his interest in industrial arts.

After earning his bachelor’s degree, Wayne began his career in education teaching industrial arts at Webb Junior High and later Anderson High School. His dedication and talent as an educator were recognized at the state Industrial Arts Conference at Texas A&M University, where he was honored as the Outstanding Industrial Arts Teacher from a region encompassing 17 counties surrounding Travis County.

Wayne also purchased his first pickup truck—a blue and white 1972 Chevrolet—which became another memorable part of his early years of marriage and family life.

Wayne and Carol soon expanded their family, welcoming their daughter, Kristi, in 1973, followed by their son, Jason, in 1978.

After earning his master’s degree, Wayne began what would become a remarkable chapter of his career at Lanier High School, home of the Vikings. In 1978, he became an Assistant Principal, affectionately known to many as “The Kid.” He spent 29 years at Lanier and ultimately devoted 37 years of his life to education.

Wayne had a unique ability to help students, parents, and teachers understand the important connection between home, school, and community. He was a tireless advocate for his students and a full-time supporter of the Lanier FFA program. He especially cherished the opportunity to help urban students understand the connection between the farm and our nation’s food supply. For Wayne, education was about far more than a classroom—it was about helping young people understand the world around them.

In June 2006, as education continued to change, Wayne decided that 37 years in education—and 29 years as a proud Viking—was enough. He retired, but retirement did not mean slowing down.

True to his farm-and-ranch roots, Wayne was never one to sit idle. He was always working on something, fixing something, building something, or caring for the land. In 2008, his life took on an especially joyful new chapter when his grandson, Grayson, was born in Houston, Texas.

Wayne poured his heart into being a Papa. He built and crafted countless things for Grayson to play with, explore, and enjoy. He treasured the time he spent traveling to Houston and caring for Grayson when Kristi returned to work. Spoiling his grandson was one of his greatest pleasures.

Wayne loved the outdoors and spent countless hours working alongside his son, Jason, maintaining the many acres and two farm properties. He enjoyed fishing, but he especially loved hunting. Whether hunting with his son or welcoming someone new—young or old—to join him, Wayne had a way of making everyone feel at home.

Wayne was an exceptional husband, father, and Papa. He consistently put the needs of others before his own. He was hardworking, loyal, generous, and a truly unforgettable friend to so many. His life was defined by service: service to his country, his students, his family, his friends, and the land he loved.

In late March 2025, Wayne became very weak and was diagnosed with lymphoma. Even in the face of this difficult diagnosis, he never allowed himself to become discouraged. For nineteen months, he demonstrated extraordinary perseverance, strength, and determination. He never gave up.

One of Wayne’s final special moments came over Memorial Day weekend in 2026, when he took his last ride on his beloved Farmall tractor—a fitting final chapter for a man whose life had been so deeply connected to farming and the land.

On August 6, 2026, at the age of 79, Wayne passed away peacefully at his home in Round Rock, Texas, with his son, Jason, by his side, following complications from CNS lymphoma.