Leo Wayne Hollebeke

Leo Wayne Hollebeke Jr passed away on 5 March 2025 at the age of 80. Wayne was born on 15 July 1944 to Norma Mae and Leo Wayne Hollebeke Sr in El Paso, Texas. Wayne graduated Ysleta High School, El Paso, TX in 1963. He loved sports in high school and lettered in football. After high school, Wayne attended Tarleton State college, Stephenville, TX 64-65. On 26 August 1966, Wayne married Karin Stephani in El Paso TX. He was employed at the Phelps Dodge Copper Refinery in El Paso. Wayne then continued his education, studying Economics at UTEP, 1967-68. One of Wayne's biggest loves was family. While in El Paso, Wayne ranched Diablo in McNary, Tx. The ranch was converted to a fishing and hunting preserve. Wayne became a member of El Paso Del Norte German Shorthair Pointer club and the Backcountry Horseman. Wayne never met a stranger. He has an uncanny way of approaching people and instantly be-friending them. He kept every post card, business card, phone number, paper clipping, diploma and certificate of his family and friends. As Wayne's life progressed, so did his opportunities. In 1967 Wayne was employed by Chevron Oil Co. His young family moved to Jensen, Utah in 1978 were Wayne worked for the Chevron refinery in the Rangely Pipeline division. While living in Jensen, Wayne and Karin built a beautiful home. In1980, Wayne became a civil servant. He started the Jensen Fire Department. He was the Jensen Fire Chief from 1980-89. As fire chief, Wayne became an EMT and involved himself in the fire fighter recruitment and training. Life was moving quickly but Wayne had some huge ancestry dreams. Multiple previous family members were Texas Rangers and law enforcement. In 1982, Wayne joined the Uintah County Sherifs Department. During his tenor, Wayne was a Narcotics Task Force member and received his scuba diver certification to lead search and rescue teams. In 1985, Wayne became a Detective Investigator. Wayne retired in 2004. Throughout Wayne's life, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, wilderness survival, gardening, horses, arrowhead hunting and cross-country skiing. Wayne is survived by his wife Karin Hollebeke, daughter Jacqueline White of Mexico, MO, son Rick Hollebeke of Lawton, OK, four grandchildren and six great grandchildren, sisters Doris Rigney of La Mesa. NM, Carol McElnoy of New Braunfels, TX, and Norma L Hollebeke of Centennial, CO, He is preceded in death by his parents Leo Wayne Sr and Norma Mae Hollebeke, and his sister Debbie Hollebeke of Greenbelt, MD. A visitation for family and friends will be held Monday, March 10, 2025 from 6:00-8:00PM at the Phillips Ashley Valley Funeral Home.