Wayne “Packy” McFarland, Ph.D., professor emeritus of physical education, died Jan. 18, 2009, at Park Village Health Care Center in Dover, Ohio, following a brief illness. He was 84.
McFarland joined Washington University in 1961 as assistant professor of education in Arts & Sciences. He became associate professor of physical education in 1964 and professor of physical education in 1966. From 1964-68, he also served as WUSTL’s director of athletics.
Beginning in 1969, McFarland served as chair of education for one year and then became chair of physical education in 1970. He was named professor emeritus in 1990.
McFarland was born in Newcomerstown, Ohio, in 1924. After graduating from Newcomerstown High School in 1942, McFarland was part of Gen. George Patton’s European Theatre Army during the Battle of the Bulge. At the time of his discharge, he had earned the rank of lieutenant.
In 1949, McFarland earned a bachelor’s degree from Ohio Wesleyan University. He went on to earn a master’s degree and doctoral degree from Columbia University in 1954 and 1959, respectively.
He served as principal of Dependents School from 1952-57 at the U.S. 3rd Air Force Base in England. He then accepted a teaching position at Scarsdale Elementary School and later became an elementary school principal in Caldwell, N.J.
Before joining WUSTL, McFarland served on the faculty of Rutgers University and New York University.
McFarland was a sports enthusiast and an active participant in the Rotary Club, the Benevolent & Protective Order of The Elks, and the American Legion and V.F.W. He served as mayor of Newcomerstown for six years during the 1990s.
McFarland is survived by his wife, Natalie; sons Jeffrey W., William C. and Samuel A.; daughters-in-law Sofia and Lori; grandchildren Saga and Axel, sister-in-law Jean McFarland Dessecker; and his former wife, Marjorie C. McFarland.
A service was held in Dover Jan. 26.
Memorial contributions may be made to Newcomerstown Rotary Club, P.O. Box 609, Newcomerstown, Ohio, 43832 or to the charity of the donor’s choice.