Rev. Wayne Grumbling, 70, of Indianapolis, Indiana, passed away suddenly on November 11, 2025. Born on October 18, 1955, in Mansfield, Ohio, Wayne lived a life rooted in faith, service, and joy.

Wayne pursued his calling early in life, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Communications and Theatre Arts from Taylor University. He later deepened his spiritual foundation by obtaining a Master of Divinity from Ashland Seminary. These academic achievements laid the groundwork for a lifelong ministry that touched countless lives.

He began his pastoral career at Mohican Church of the Brethren in West Salem, Ohio, where he served faithfully from 1982 to 1993. In 1994, he accepted the call to Christ Our Shepherd Church of the Brethren in Greenwood, Indiana. His leadership there spanned nearly two decades over two tenures—from 1994 to 2003 and again from 2011 until his passing in 2025. Along with periods of church ministry, Wayne extended his compassion as a hospice chaplain with Southern Care Hospice from 2005 to 2010 and from 2014 until 2025 with Great Lakes Caring Hospice/Elara Hospice.

Wayne’s ministry was marked not only by his words but also by his music. He loved to sing worship songs—both in church and at the bedside of those he comforted as a chaplain. His voice was an instrument of peace and praise; he truly worshipped God through song and shared that joy with others.

Wayne was a devoted family man who cherished every moment with those closest to him. He is survived by his beloved wife of 46 years, Jayne (Barnes) Grumbling; their son Joshua Grumbling; daughter Kristina Chau; son-in-law Minh Chau; and grandchildren Avalyn, Violet, and James Chau. His love for them was unwavering and evident in every aspect of his life. He loved visiting family and playing games.

He is also remembered fondly by his siblings: brother Tom (Jenny), sister Cheryl (John) Black, and brother Jesus (Rosa) Munoz; In-laws Joel (Betty) Barnes, Jan (Dan) Foust and Jeanne (Ken) Groezinger along with many nieces and nephews who were blessed by his warmth and humor. Wayne was preceded in death by his parents Glenn and Nancy (Thomas) Grumbling and sister Rebecca Munoz.

Outside the pulpit, Wayne found joy on the tennis court with his buddies—a pastime that brought him laughter and camaraderie. He enjoyed traveling with his family, playing card games, riding roller coasters with his granddaughters, watching sports games with his son-in-law, and making jokes whenever possible. He embraced life fully and radiated happiness wherever he went.

Wayne loved God first—then his family and church—with a heart full of gratitude. His faith sustained him through challenges and filled him with joy that overflowed into every relationship he nurtured. He was always ready to share encouragement, prayer, compassion, and hope with those around him. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

May his memory bring comfort to those who mourn him and inspiration to all who carry forward the light he so generously shared. Calling hours will be held on November 21, 2025, from 04:00 PM to 06:00 PM at Indiana Funeral Care 2433 E Main St. Greenwood, IN. Memorial Service held at 6pm. Reverend Doctor Michael Hoppe to officiate. 

Memorial donations in Wayne’s honor can be made to Brethren Disaster Ministries by going to https://churchofthebrethren.givingfuel.com/all-ministries 

A lifestream of Wayne's memorial service can be viewed using this link https://youtube.com/live/7XQL2NbsmQ8?feature=share