Wayne H. Fatchett

Wayne H. Fatchett, 86, of East Moline, Illinois, passed away peacefully in his sleep on September 13, 2025. Wayne was born in Clinton, Iowa, on January 21, 1939, to Howard and Lucille (Sentman) Fatchett.

He was a proud graduate of Clinton High School, graduating as an All-American Swimmer and Football player. After one year at Iowa State University, he transferred to Winona State University, Winona, MN, graduating as an All-American collegiate swimmer.

Wayne went on to a fulfilling career as a Teacher and Swim Coach for Bettendorf High School, Bettendorf, Iowa, until he retired in 1994. During his tenure at Bettendorf, Wayne coached the boys’ team to two state championships (1978, 1986), the last setting a record high point total, and the girls’ team to three straight state championships (1990 – 1992). Wayne was inducted into the Iowa State High School Swim Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 2007.

Wayne was truly a one of a kind, known for his fun personality and wild imagination, he balanced the hard work with unforgettable times of fun. Many “varmints” got life-long nicknames from the coach, slaving away to the drumbeat and crack of the whip. The clown diving shows he presided over were a huge hit with both students and the general public, providing many fond memories of days gone by.

Wayne is survived by a son, Robert Fatchett, five grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, and a sister, Leola (James) DeCock. He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 49 years, Shirley, sons Jeff and Steve Grubaugh, and a daughter from a previous marriage, Melissa Fatchett. He is now reunited with them.

A celebration of life service will be held at 12:00 noon on Friday, October 03, 2025, at Wendt Funeral Home, Moline, Illinois. Visitation is from 10 – 12 pm. Burial will follow the celebration of life service at Prairie Union Cemetery in Low Moor, Iowa. In lieu of flowers or gifts, the family requests you donate to one of our local animal shelters in his honor.

Family and friends are invited to share memories and express condolences to the family on his Memory Page at wendtfuneralhome.com.