Wayne Durant Garness' Obituary
Wayne Durant Garness passed away on Saturday, April 25, 2026, at age 96. He was born on June 13, 1929, in Deadwood, South Dakota, to Olaf Andrew Garness and Beatrice Rose (Durant) Garness, and had been a resident of New Orleans and Covington since 1954. The beloved husband and father is predeceased by his dear wife of 65 years, Jacqueline Owens Garness of New Orleans, Louisiana; his daughter, Novi Jean Garness; his parents; his brother, Robert Dean Garness (Kathy); and his granddaughter, Dawn Davis. He is survived by his loving companion of 10 years, Carol Laurent Benson; his daughter (from a first marriage to Joanne Monger), Dorothy Bradley Oglesby (Wayne Oglesby); two sons, Daniel Wayne Garness (Joseph Fay) and “Gunnar” Christopher Wayne Garness (Kay Buckner); granddaughter, Della Roque; great-grandchildren, Maya Roque, Alejandro Roque, Cheyenne Cabral, Taylor Cabral, and Isaiah Davis; great-great-grandchildren, Anaya Henry, Aleeana Henry, and Andreas Roque; many nieces and nephews, and his dear friend, Edward Bailey.
Wayne grew up in the Black Hills of South Dakota and learned to fly at the age of 16, which became his lifelong love and avocation. He was a Staff Sergeant on Flying Status and an Aerial Gunner in the Air Force during the Korean War who boldly volunteered for every interesting and exotic task imaginable. He established an adventurous career flying amphibious seaplanes across Southeastern Louisiana for Rebel Air, Shell Oil, and Chevron Oil. He was one of the foremost pilots in these companies, and came to know Louisiana's landscape and gulf-scape like the back of his hand. Wayne was an avid collector of British and Italian sports cars, which he restored for many years in his garage in Terrytown, Louisiana, and raced in local Autocross events in the 1960’s, winning many trophies and accolades. He loved traveling the west with his family in his motor home, crossing the country many times, especially to his beloved Black Hills. He and his wife, Jacqueline, toured Ireland extensively with great relish. Wayne also loved taking his family to Mardi Gras for many decades, standing behind his children on their ladder, and collecting the bounty of the parades. With Jacqueline, Wayne was a surrogate parent to many of his children’s friends, welcoming them into their home and for long communal meals, extending his family in every way. He was active in the Boy Scouts, St. Paul’s Marching Band, and the American Legion.
Wayne was a gifted bass singer, performing for years in the Gretna Methodist Church Choir, and with a barbershop quartet. He often serenaded his devoted companion, Carol, with the American songbook. He was a member of the British Motoring Club of New Orleans, and the Northlake A’s Model A Club. He treasured his time with car people and other pilots of all ages, sharing stories generously, with great enthusiasm and expertise. Wayne and Carol adored their melded family of dogs, cats, and vintage cars, living in the beautiful Covington countryside, and sharing Gulf Coast drives in their Jaguar convertible. They were a fixture at Covington’s yearly St. Patrick’s Day parades, with Wayne dispensing emerald beads to all.
Wayne will be remembered lovingly for his myriad of accomplishments and tales, and for his never-diminishing, ever-dashing spirit. A happy man, he loved life and lived it to the fullest. His final wish was to be known as a Great Pilot!
The family wishes to thank his wonderful medical team, Dr. Martha Carr and nurses Becky, Nick, Ginger, and Rebecca, OT Melinda and PT Jenny.
Funeral services will be private with a Celebration of Life planned for a later date.
E.J. Fielding Funeral Home has been entrusted with funeral arrangements. Please sign the online guestbook at https://www.ejfieldingfh.com.
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