Dewayne E. Brand age 60 of Wickliffe passed away peacefully into eternal rest on Friday April 17, 2026 at Arden Courts Nursing Home in Chagrin Falls, OH. He was born July 17, 1965 in Waynesburg, PA the son of James Eugene Brand and Hazel Katherine (Statler) Brand. He lived in Wickliffe, OH the last 15 years formerly of Ravenna where he graduated from Waterloo High School in the Class of 1983. Dewayne married the former Gayle Lynn Barker on Feb 28, 2004 and they enjoyed 22 years of marriage together, He started his career at Aurora Police Dept and then went to the Kent Police Dept as a K9 officer for 14 years. Dewayne finished up his career at Perry Nuclear Power Plant where he worked as armed security for 12 years retiring in 2022. He loved being a police officer and the best time in his career is when he was a K9 officer with his dog Gunder. Dewayne and Gayle were members of the Glory Church in Cleveland for many years, He loved golfing, hunting, fishing, watching baseball, football, wrestling, riding his motorcycle, and being a grandfather to his grandchildren. Dewayne is preceded in death by his birth parents: Windle Carlton Starns & Hazel Katherine Statler, and adopted father James Eugene Brand.

He is survived by: his wife: Gayle L. Brand of Wickliffe, OH, step-mother: Bonnie Starnes of Leasburg, MO, 1 daughter: Jacklyn Gnau (Scott) of Richfield, OH, 1 son: Jeremy Brand (Jordan Ruiz) of Green, OH, 1 sister: Wendy Holland (Poncho) of Leasburg, MO, 6 grandchildren: Adalynn Brand, Madalynn Brand, Eisley Gnau, Baby Boy Gnau, Ariana Butcher, Jeremiah Butcher. Loving uncle to Stephen Barker II, Benjamin Sims, Matthew Sims (Megan), Joshua Hester (Becka) Gabriel Holland, and Michaelina Littler (Brady) and many more nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be at the James Funeral Home in Newton Falls on Saturday April 25, 2026 at 11:00am with Rev. Daniel Gonzalez officiating. Calling hours will be on Friday April 24, 2026 from 5:00- 8:00pm. He will be laid to rest at Grandview Memorial Park in Ravenna.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the James Funeral Home, 8 East Broad Street, Newton Falls, OH 44444 (330)872-5440. Family and friends may view his obituary online or to send condolences, please visit us at www.jamesfuneralhomeinc.com