Wayne A. Putnam, Capt., USN-retired, 75, passed peacefully on Nov. 11, 2012 at his home in Great Mills, Md.

Wayne was born on Dec. 22, 1936 in Kankakee, Ill., to the late Arnie W. Putnam and Freida (Ebling) Putnam.

Wayne grew up in Kankakee, Ill., and graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy, receiving his commission in 1958. In 1959, he completed Naval flight training and was awarded his "wings of gold," commencing his career as a Naval Aviator. Wayne retired in 1987 at the rank of Captain. During his naval career he earned Navy Battle "E," Republic of Vietnam Armed Forces Honor Medal (First Class), Navy Achievement Medal, Air Medal S/F-1, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Ribbon, Navy Unit Commendation, Air Force Expeditionary Medal (Cuba), Navy Expeditionary Medal (Cuba), National Defense Service Medal, Expert Pistol Ribbon, Meritorious Service.

Throughout his career, Wayne, with the enduring support of his loving wife Beverly Jean (Bowman) Putnam, served our nation with distinction and honor.

Wayne was a devoted husband and father. Wayne had many interests throughout his life, including a lifelong love of golf. He would play at every opportunity, traveling frequently to his vacation home in Hilton Head, S.C., to play every day he was there. He participated in many retired military tournaments with his former Navy classmates, and won several events. He enjoyed teaching his grandson Matthew how to play, and was thrilled that his step-great-granddaughter Amber wanted to learn and play with him as well. Wayne also donated much of his time helping local organizations such as Meals On Wheels in St. Mary’s County, as well as hospice assisting patients to and from hospitals in Baltimore, Md., and Washington, D.C., area.

Wayne is survived by his daughters, Diana Moeller (Chuck) of Gloucester, Va., Debra Lyn Zurkowski (Robert) of Hollywood, Md.; three grandchildren, Michael Zurkowski, Matthew Zurkowski, and Megan Zurkowski; one step-granddaughter, Rebecca Kelly Moeller; and four step-great-grandchildren, Destiny Moeller, Brittany Bowles, Amber Bowles, and Cassie Bowles. In addition to his parents, he was recently predeceased by his wife, Beverly Jean (Bowman) Putnam.

Family will receive friends for Wayne’s Life Celebration on Friday, Nov. 16, 2012, from 5-7 p.m. at the Brinsfield Funeral Home, 22955 Hollywood Road, Leonardtown, Md. 20650. Prayers will be recited at 6:30 p.m. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, Nov. 17, 2012, at 11 a.m. at St. John Francis Regis Catholic Church, 43927 St. John’s Road, Hollywood, Md. 20636. Interment will be in Arlington National Cemetery at a date to be determined.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of St. Mary’s, P.O. Box 625, Leonardtown, Md. 20650.

Condolences to the family may be made at www.brinsfieldfuneral.com