Mr. Wayne C. Dearden, 68, of 42 Belle Ave, died peacefully at home surrounded by love on Thursday, April 1 ^st . Wayne was born in Springfield, MA on December 26 ^th , 1952. Wayne lived in Arlington TX for a few years before returning to the area and settling down in West Springfield. Wayne enlisted in the United States Navy in March of 1970, and served in the Vietnam War until 1974 when he was honorably discharged; achieving rank of Boatswain's Mate 1 ^st Class. Wayne worked for Laurino Packaging, Danny Gordon Paving, and in 1990 began a 14 year career at Sullivan Paper in West Springfield, before retiring in 2004 due to illness. Wayne is predeceased by his parents Charles & Virginia (Fyhr) Dearden and his brother, Carl Fyhr; Wayne's 1 ^st wife and mother of his sons, Nancy Powell; and his father and mother-in-law, George & Theresa Croteau. Wayne is survived by the love of his life, Sherry (Croteau) Dearden, his wife of 21 years, together 34; his son David and his wife Michelle (Goodreau) Dearden; his son William (Billy Bob) Dearden; Wayne's daughter/granddaughter Gianna Dearden; and his grandchildren Drew & Jax Dearden. He also leaves his pets Leela, Cleo & Precious. Wayne is also survived by Mark and Jeremy Powell, two of his many nephews and nieces; his brothers in law - Gary Croteau; Larry (& Liz) Croteau; and his best friend, Patrick Fleury. Additionally, Wayne is survived by many chosen family members and friends. Wayne was a dedicated Dallas Cowboys, Boston Red Sox, and Nascar fan (especially Dale Earnhardt). He also loved to watch and play golf. Above all else, Wayne sincerely loved his family & friends, especially the grandkids. Everyone who loves him will miss his sense of humor, laughter, and how easy it was to talk with him. Wayne earned many names over the years; Dad/Pops, Brotha, Uncle Wayne, Poppa and one other name he gave himself, that will forever be a source of laughter for all who knew him. No matter what you called him, the stories from generation to generation and between both biological and chosen family & friends echo a common core of love, humor, and "he was like a…to me." A real family man, who was a rich man, in that way. A walk-through wake will be held for Wayne on Thursday at the West Springfield Curran Jones from 4 to 7 pm. A funeral Service will be held at Curran Jones on Friday at 10 am. Burial to follow at the Massachusetts Veteran's Memorial Cemetery in Agawam. For more information please visit curranjones.com