Byron “Wayne” Hulstine, of Yorktown, VA, passed away Sunday, January 5, 2025 at the age of 67 after a years long battle with COPD.
Wayne was born February 19,1957 in Stockton, CA. As a child of a military family, he traveled all over the world, living in both France and Belgium and touring all over Europe. After attending SHAPE High School in Belgium, he joined the Air Force in 1975. After a short enlistment, he lived in Phoenix AZ and Comptche, CA. In Comptche, he lived in a cabin, finding himself and his love of nature.
It was in Richland, WA, while working at Clinkerdaggers Restaurant, that Wayne met the love of his life, Jean Rae Krowe. Together, they owned and operated a pet store, Aqua Tropics, LTD, for a few years. After their first son was born, they moved to Yorktown, VA to be near Jean Rae’s family. While in Virginia, Wayne worked in the construction field in various capacities. In 2000 he founded Chisman Creek Plumbing and Contracting Inc. and ran the business until his retirement in 2020.
Wayne was adventurous and outgoing. He loved climbing trees and grew up thinking he was Tarzan. He was also involved in martial arts and was passionate about self-defense. Wayne loved all forms of water recreation and was even a certified scuba diver. He was the life of the party, always laughing, smiling, and telling a good joke. He loved vacationing at the Outer Banks for many years and more recently, discovered the peaceful tranquility of Lake Gaston.
While Wayne had many hobbies and occupations, the two most important things to him were his faith and family. He loved the Lord and spent the last few years of his life praising God and thanking him for his many blessings. Throughout his life, Wayne was a dedicated husband and a doting father and uncle. In later years, he enjoyed being a grandfather and spoiling his grandchildren. He was also excited about another grandson on the way.
Wayne was preceded in death by his parents, George and Florence Hulstine, and brother Ben Hulstine. He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Jean Rae Hulstine, sons Zachary Hulstine (Jessica) of Mathews and Wyatt Hulstine (Brittany) of Yorktown, grandchildren best buddy Finley Hulstine, Storie Hulstine, Lucy Hulstine, brothers Boyd (Dana) and Brad, and sister-in-law Mary.
Wayne’s family would like to thank Riverside Hospice for their care and compassion in helping to keep him comfortable in his last months. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Wayne may be made to the Virginia Living Museum where he worked and volunteered, or York County Fire and Life Safety.
A funeral service will be held at York Assembly of God (7826 George Washington Memorial Hwy Yorktown, VA 23692) on Saturday, January 11 at 11:00 am. A celebration of life will follow on Sunday, January 12 at Marlbank Farm Clubhouse (115 Old Landing Rd. Yorktown, VA 23692) from 2:00-5:00 pm.
Gifts can be made to Virginia Living Museum (524 J. Clyde Morris Blvd. in Newport News, VA 23601) or York County Fire and Life Safety (P.O. Box 532, Yorktown, Virginia 23693).
