William “Bill” John Wayne, professor emeritus of geology in the Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, died Nov. 5. He was 97.

Wayne joined the department in 1968 and became emeritus in 1993, though he continued publishing research until as recently as 2011.

His work investigated materials at the surface of the Earth and the processes that shape, modify and move them. This included geomorphology, Quaternary stratigraphy and paleoecology, land and freshwater mollusks recovered from Quaternary sediments, and the application of geologic data to engineering problems and land-use planning. Wayne’s research was published in numerous books and journals.

A celebration of life service will be announced at a later date. All Faiths Funeral Home of Grand Island is entrusted with arrangements.