Wayne Coburn
November 28, 1946 — September 7, 2014
Wayne Jerald Coburn November 28, 1946 - September 7, 2014 Wayne became a "regular" on talk radio, always on behalf of MS patients and otherswith mobility problems. His complaint on WOAI that the MS office in San Antonio was not handicapped accessible was heard in Washington, DC. The National MS office quickly flew to San Antonio, fired several top employees, and relocated the office! He often attended City Council meetings and lobbied for wheelchair accessible curbs (which were not prevalent at the time), handicapped parking, and was very instrumental in inspiring the VIA-Trans system. Wayne was a live wire. When he discovered Judges at the courthouse were using the handicapped parking spaces he promptly put an end to that behavior! Wayne and a few fellow MS victims joined together and formed a 501 3-c non-profit group called SAMS Group, ie, San Antonio Multiple Sclerosis Group. In their effort to help others, they collected wheel chairs and mobility devices and gave them to those in need. Having things at wheelchair-height was important to him. He wrote and called the then-current Texas Senator demanding wheelchair-height tables in the U.S. Post office. After two years of protesting, he finally got them. He also forced many a retail establishment to install curb access and handicapped restrooms - something we take for granted today. Wayne graduated from Edison High School after attending school in the Harlandale District during his early years. He entered the U.S. Coast Guard and was stationed on the rough, rocky coast of Oregon on a rescue boat that was made to turn completely over in the icy water. This was his location when a sudden illness proved to be Multiple Sclerosis and resulted in a medical discharge. He returned to San Antonio where he attended St. Mary's University in a wheel chair, gaining a degree in Finance. He subsequently started his own bookkeeping service and opened a Laundromat, which he would tend while seated in his wheelchair doing his bookkeeping. He would not surrender to being handicapped! Wayne refused to let the world get him down. As his condition severely worsened, he was courageous and never complained. He said daily "I've had a good life." If so, it was because he made it that way! Wayne Jerald Coburn was born in San Antonio, Texas at the M&S Tower Hospital(now the Emily Morgan Hotel) on a sunny Thanksgiving Day, November 28, 1946. He suffered many years with Multiple Sclerosis and was released from this earth on September 7, 2014 into a better life in the loving arms of Jesus Christ. He will be greatly missed and never forgotten. Wayne is survived by a loving family who wish to thank the staff at Silver Creek Manor and VA Home Care Nurse Patrice King, along with many others at the VA Hospital for their years of kind and caring attention. Heartfelt thanks to Dr. Frederickson and Dr. Campbell, formerly of the VA, who assisted him for over 10 years. And special debt of gratitude is owed to John and Rose Borrowman for being such caring and faithful friends. A private service is planned for family members with burial at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to: National MS Society. 9830 Colonnade Blvd., Ste. 130, San Antonio, TX 78230-2203 GENEALOGY: Father Elmer Alfred Coburn, deceased Mother: Virginia Mae Quick, deceased Son: Richard Wayne Coburn, deceased Son: Kenneth Bruce Coburn and wife Leona Holmes Coburn Half Sister: Judith Lee Medders Coburn Hall (Jay Hall) and husband Rex Allen Stone Half Brother: Michael Lee Medders Coburn and wife Kathleen Ward Coburn. Half- sisters: Jane Marie Henry, Patricia Ann Henry, Nancy Lou Henry Half-Brother: Lee Martin Henry, Jr Wonderful Stepfather Lee Martin Henry, Sr. and lovely wife Mary Ellen Guyer Henry. Step-brother: Harry Guyer Many Nieces and Nephews
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