DeWayne L. Brinker, 86, of Franklin, passed away Thursday, December 18, 2025 at UPMC Shadyside in Pittsburgh after a courageous battle with cancer. 

Son of the late Ida V. and Joseph E. Brinker, DeWayne was born on October 22, 1939 in Franklin.

He attended Franklin High School and then enlisted in the Navy. He proudly served his country for 4 years and was the barber on the USS Henley. They were the first man-of-war to open the St. Lawrence Seaway.

Dewayne worked at the former Joy Manufacturing as a Machinist for 34 years, retiring in 2001. In 1958, he married the former Helen S. Neeley. She preceded him in death. 

For many years, DeWayne was a master barber and worked at several family owned barber shops in town with his father.

He was an avid hunter and fisher and enjoyed spending time at his hunting camp. He was a family man and spent time with them whenever he could, especially on their many fishing trips to Canada. 

DeWayne is survived by his two children, Terri Weaver and her husband Mark, of Franklin, and Duane "Butch" Brinker and his wife Holly, of Stoneboro. Also surviving him are his grandchildren; Alexis (Adam) Vernam of Erie, Trey (Nikki) Weaver of Newport News, VA, Luke (Dana) Ibbs of West Middlesex, Cage Ibbs of State College, Allyson Ibbs of Kent, OH, and Hagen Markl of Stoneboro. Additionally surviving are many loved nieces and nephews. 

Dewayne was preceded in death by his wife, parents, and parents in-law. He was additionally preceded in death by daughter in-law Georgia Brinker, siblings Arvilla (Chuck) Karns, Rolland (Marilyn) Brinker, John (Marge) Brinker, brother in-law Richard Neeley, special friend Patricia Myers, nephews Rodger Brinker and John Brinker Jr., and a niece, Kelly Prichard. 

Funeral arrangements entrusted to Huff-Guthrie Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc. 312 W Park St., Franklin where family and friends will be received from 2:00-4:00 P.M. and 6:00-8:00 P.M. on Monday.

The funeral service will be held on Tuesday in the funeral home chapel at 11:00 A.M. with Father Shawn Clerkin and Deacon Dave Betz of St. John's Episcopal Church, officiating. 

The V.E.T.S. Honor Guard will render military honors at 12:00 P.M. following the service. 

Interment will follow at Franklin Cemetery. 

Memorial donations may be made in DeWayne's name to Precious Paws Animal Rescue 720 Atlantic Ave, Franklin, PA 16323 and St. Johns's Episcopal Church 1145 Buffalo St, Franklin, PA 16323.

Online condolences may be made to the family by visiting www.huffchapel.com.