Gayne Ek, 78 of Allen, Texas passed away June 18. He was born September 5, 1933 in Flint, MI to Henry and Ruth Ek. On January 29, 1971, Gayne married Joleta Haney in Plano, Texas.
He is survived by his children, Gil Ek ( Sheryl) of McKinney, Texas, Cindy Ek , Cheri Ek Rizer (Ken) of Cedar Rapids, grandchildren, Ryan Leach, Carly Ek, Andrew , Nicole, Anna and Will Rizer, great-grandchildren, Spencer and Bryson Leach and a sister, Janine(Richard) Merrick of Minnesota.
Gayne graduated from Franklin High School in Cedar Rapids and received a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from Iowa State. He worked for Collins Radio, Pan Am, then moved to Dallas and partnered with a co-worker to start Forum Communications, where he was president until his semi-retirement in 2003.
Gayne and Jo enjoyed traveling the world and visiting family and friends. He was an active volunteer and did a variety of charity work including Crew Chief for a Dallas chapter of Habitat for Humanity and various work for child advocacy centers.
Gayne is preceded in death by his wife, Joleta and his parents, Henry and Ruth.
A “Celebration of Life” is being held at 11:00 a.m., on Saturday, July 28, 2012, at Preston Meadow Lutheran Church, 6801 Coit Road, Plano, Texas. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to the local Habitat for Humanity.