Wayne Alfred Pimentel January 2, 1937 - February 8, 2022

January 1937 ~ February 2022

Wayne was born and raised in Los Banos, California and passed away in Turlock at the age of 85. He was the only child of his beloved parents Walter and Elaine Pimentel. He attended Westside Union High School and graduated in 1956. During his high school years, he was very involved in the music programs where he played the drums. He also played the drums in the Skyliners and The Jerry Lewis Side Band. In the late 1950’s he became a Reserve Officer for Los Banos Police Department. After high school he attended Fresno City College where he received his AA degree, and went on to become a Police officer in Capitola. Eventually he moved on to the University of California Police Department where an on-the-job injury ended his career in 1972. During this time, he met and married his wife of 22 years Linda Pimentel and together they had 2 children, Michael and Nicole. It was then that Wayne decided to go back to school. He attended Fresno State University where he received his Bachelor of Arts with an emphasis on art and music for exceptional children in 1979, his Master’s Degree in Anthropology, and eventually earning his doctorate degree in Anthropology and Ethnos History. He used those degrees to teach Anthropology at Merced College Los Banos Campus. His love for research and history led to him becoming an author, and in 1987 he published his book titled Dogtown and Ditches: Life on the Westside.

Wayne’s hobbies included raising his various animals, learning the Bible, and watching sports, especially his Fresno State Bulldogs. He was a people person and had an amazing sense of humor. He was greatly loved and will be sorely missed.

He is survived by his children Nicole (Shawn) Cooper and Michael Pimentel; grandchildren Maci Cooper, Gianna Cooper, Taryn Cooper, Raven and Lilleigh.  He was preceded in death by his parents Walter and Elaine Pimentel.

A memorial service will be held on Monday, Feb. 21, 2022 at 10AM at Allen Mortuary.

Memorial contributions can be made in Wayne’s memory to The Alzheimer’s Association