Wayne P. Engle, 1933–2024

Wayne P. Engle, a Marion, Iowa, business leader and Cornell College Trustee from 1981–1991, died July 22, 2024, at age 91. 

Engle joined the Air Force after high school and upon discharge began training as an electrician. In 1964 he and a business partner formed E&S Electric (now The ESCO Group) in Engle’s Marion basement. He became active in the electrical contracting industry and served on municipal boards and national associations. Locally he served in numerous capacities for civic and community organizations, including as the originator of the Marion Central Business District Revitalization Project, and as an originator of Marion Square Associates, which acquired seven buildings involved in the revitalization. In addition, he purchased and renovated the Marion Theatre.

He retired in 2006 as chairman of The ESCO Group but became active again after the Iowa flood of 2008 that devastated Cedar Rapids. He formed a group of retired electricians and engineers to provide free wiring and repair to homes damaged in the flood. The group was referred to as Old Farts Electric and served over 300 families. With two other local businessmen, he also co-founded the Marion Cares ministry. 

Engle was married to his Ottumwa (Iowa) High School sweetheart, Shirley Ann Johnson, for 68 years. He is survived by a son, daughter, two daughters-in-law, and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.