Wayne McIntosh, a native of Ramona and retired U.S. Air Force colonel, left a $5 million gift for Kansas State University through his trust after his death in 2012. McIntosh’s bequest will benefit construction of the university’s Welcome Center, as well as multicultural initiatives.

McIntosh received a bachelor’s degree in general sciences in 1938 and a master’s degree in education in 1939. He was in the ROTC program and played trumpet in marching band. He joined the Air Force in 1941, serving in World War II, flying over Omaha Beach in Normandy, France, on D-Day in 1944.

His 30-year military career ended with retirement as a colonel, having earned the Legion of Merit, Air Force Commendation Medal, Air Medal, and seven campaign medals. Relatives say his fondest career memory was serving as co-pilot for Gen. Chuck Yeager’s flight that broke the sound barrier in 1947.

After his retirement from the Air Force, McIntosh returned to Manhattan and worked for 10 years for the university’s Division of Continuing Education. He also visited all 50 states, and five continents, during his lifetime.