Wayne grew up living next to his father’s business. He was always tinkering around the shop where he developed his mechanical skills early in life. It was also here where his endless ingenuity and resourcefulness led him to create and build a variety of projects including unicycles. His most unusual unicycle was seven feet tall, which he would later ride in the college marching band. During high school Wayne worked at the Alva Airport after school for Kenneth Crisp, often in exchange for flying time and lessons. In the summertime he would work for Earl Hellman and Autmer Gallon on their farms. While employed by Mr. Gallon, Wayne figured out how to plow with two tractors simultaneously. He would get the first tractor heading straight following the furrow and then run across the field and get the second tractor going. Wayne then would run across the field all night to catch each tractor on the corner turns until he finished the field. During Wayne’s senior year at Northwestern his father died. He began working 12-hour night shifts on the construction of a local grain elevator to support his mother and sister. This took its toll on college classes, and he never graduated. Wayne served in the National Guard Headquarters battery, 189th field artillery battalion and the U.S. Army reserve.
Wayne purchased two damaged Ercoupe airplanes out of Wichita, KS. One had flipped over in a windstorm and the other had a collapsed gear. Wayne and his brother, Lynn, made one flyable plane out of the two. They sold the plane for enough money for a down payment on a bicycle, lawnmower, and Cushman scooter shop. While managing this business, Wayne designed, built, and sold custom unicycles and tractor radios.
Earl Hellman offered Wayne space in one of his barns to start rebuilding airplanes until a hangar could be built at the Alva Airport. The Alva Industrial Foundation formed to finance and build that hangar. This was the third structure on the airport and the beginning of Kinzie Industries (FAA-approved Repair Station). Wayne’s first employees were his college classmates. College students were an integral part of Kinzie Industries. Approximately 450 students were employed in the business over the next 50 years.
Throughout the 1950’s and 60’s Kinzie Industries specialized in single engine all metal airplanes (Cessna and Beech) consisting of major rebuilds, overhauls, repairs, and maintenance. The planes that went out the door were better than new, and Wayne earned a national reputation. He also developed equipment and techniques for retrieving downed aircraft in remote areas. Insurance companies, corporations, Cessna, and Beech, all hired him to retrieve aircraft.
In 1962 Wayne acquired his first damaged Hughes helicopter. From 1963-68 Wayne and his company continued rebuilding and repairing airplanes while expanding dramatically into helicopters. In 1968 he decided to specialize in Hughes Helicopters full time. The business grew successfully with Wayne managing the shop and Beverly supervising the office. All four children participated in the business. Kinzie Industries was noticed internationally for its impeccable workmanship. The business grew to include new manufactured replacement helicopter parts, agriculture aerial spraying, and gift and apparel products. Additionally, Kinzie designed and manufactured unique helicopter accessories. Many of Wayne’s aviation business philosophies, techniques, resourceful ideas, and methods were revolutionary in the industry and influenced generations. By the time the helicopter business sold in the early 2000’s, there were regular customers in all 50 states and 23 foreign countries. His FAA approved repair station had returned over 300 airplanes and 350 helicopters back to active flying status. In 50 years, no aircraft part failed, or an aircraft went down, due to workmanship or quality from Wayne and Kinzie Industries. Wayne’s interests and hobbies encompassed travel, aircraft, antique trucks/cars, blacksmithing, trains, waterworks, unicycles, and anything mechanical. Most prominent were trains. This hobby involved Lionel electric trains, one ½ inch scale live steam trains, ore/mining cars, and narrow-gauge railroad cars from the D&RGW. Nothing gave Wayne joy like giving his grandkids and the neighborhood kids rides on his little steam train around his house and yard. Wayne even acquired the Capron Santa Fe depot and restored it to operational condition with living quarters Wayne was an avid supporter of the community, airport, Alva, NWOSU, and Northwest Oklahoma. He never missed an opportunity to promote any aspect of this through his business or travels. He served on the Alva Airport Commission, Alva City Council, Oklahoma Aeronautics Commission, Northwestern Homecoming committee, and in various capacities at the First United Methodist Church. Wayne’s honors include Alva Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the year in 2007 and 2016, a major contributor to Reunion 2000, Super Band Booster Award in 1982-83, NWOSU Alumni 1989 as Ranger Super Supporter, and Ranger Homecoming parade marshal in 2005.
Wayne and Beverly were founding members of the Alva Mural Society. Wayne spent his entire life taking care of family and friends. He put others first and was a source of strength, calm, and dependability. Until his last breath his thoughts were about taking care of others.
