Thomas Wayne

*"Why do we fall, Bruce? So we can learn to pick ourselves up."*
―Thomas Wayne[src]
Dr. **Thomas Wayne** (August 1, 1947 – June 26, 1986) was a billionaire philanthropist, socialite, mayoral candidate, and former CEO of Wayne Enterprises. He was the husband of socialite Martha Kane and the father of Bruce Wayne.

## Biography

### Early Life

A member of the prominent Wayne Family, Thomas Alan Wayne was born on August 1, 1947, to industrialist Patrick Wayne and Constance Wayne.

Not particularly business-inclined, Thomas went to medical school to become a doctor with the sole goal of helping those in need. Thomas graduated from Gotham State University medical school along with Leslie Thompkins, Doctor Long, and Matthew Thorne. After graduating, Thomas, a devout Christian, served as a missionary to help provide medical aid to some developing countries in the Caribbean.

Upon his return to Gotham, Thomas would become one of the city's most accomplished surgeons and even helped more with the Wayne family business as the CEO of Wayne Enterprises. More than his medical and financial accomplishments, though, Thomas was most well-known as a philanthropist who used his vast wealth to help heal his city.

Shortly after his return to Gotham, Thomas would meet the lovely Martha Kane (from another family of "Gotham elites"). Thomas and Martha would soon be married, and the two would have a son they named Bruce.

After the mysterious death of their long-time butler, Jarvis Pennyworth, his son Alfred dutifully accepted his father's vacant position in Gotham City.

Using his wealth, Thomas opened the Gotham Orphanage, which became an interest published at *The Gotham Times*. At some point, Thomas decided to run for mayor of Gotham City to try to rehabilitate it for the better.

In 1981, Martha was expecting a second child named Thomas Wayne, Jr. However, just weeks before the child's due date, Thomas and Martha went on a social event at the Empire Hotel and left Bruce in the care of Alfred. After eating something that did not agree with her at the banquet, Thomas urged Martha to go to the hospital to ensure the child was fine. As they exited the hotel, a drunk driver struck the Waynes shortly after they entered their vehicle. Thomas Wayne, Jr. was delivered early but did not survive the night.

To cope with the loss of Thomas, Jr, the Waynes dedicated themselves to spending more time with Bruce. Among Bruce's interests was a love for cinema, so much so that Thomas and Martha would take him to the Monarch Theater every Thursday night.

When Bruce was four, he fell down the family well into the caverns beneath Wayne Manor, attracting the attention of several bats. Thomas eventually came to his rescue.

Thomas Wayne was also a close colleague of Roger Elliot, another influential businessman. Together, the Waynes and the Elliots were considered one of the "First Families of Gotham."

At this time, Bruce Wayne befriended Roger and Marla Elliot's son, Thomas. Thomas Elliot — or "Tommy," as he was known — was one of the few friends Bruce ever had as a child. However, Bruce didn't realize that Tommy suffered from severe pathological tendencies. One evening in 1986, Tommy Elliot arranged an automobile accident for his parents. Upon hearing the accident news, Dr. Wayne rushed to Sacred Heart Hospital, where the Elliots were. However, despite his extensive medical skills, Thomas could not save Roger Elliot's life. Still, he did succeed in saving Tommy's mother, Marla, though her injuries would require extensive reconstructive surgery.

### Saving Carmine Falcone

One night, Thomas Wayne saved the life of gangster Carmine Falcone. Falcone's father, Vincent Falcone, came to Wayne Manor and begged Thomas to save his dying son, who had been shot by rival gangster Luigi Maroni. Thomas wanted to take the younger Falcone to the hospital, but Vincent insisted that nobody knew about the shooting; the surgery was thus performed in the dining room with Alfred assisting. After saving Carmine's life, he was offered a reward or favor but refused to accept any payment. Unbeknownst to Thomas, young Bruce watched this all in silence from afar.

### Assassination

*"Bruce... it's okay... don't be afraid."*
―Thomas Wayne's last words.[src]
On June 26, 1986, Thomas, Martha, and eight-year-old Bruce walked back to their car after an evening show of *The Mark of Zorro*. As they took a shortcut through an alleyway in Park Row, the family was held at gunpoint by a petty criminal, Joseph Chilton (aka: 'Joe Chill'). When the clasp of Martha's pearl necklace got stuck, and Thomas abruptly moved to help his wife, the mugger got spooked and shot Thomas. When a scream followed, Joe fired a second shot, killing Martha instantly. Horrified at what he had done, Chill fled, leaving the orphaned Bruce spattered in blood and standing among the scattered pearls.

## Trivia

* Thomas was a Christian.
* As a child, Thomas was a member of the Green Lantern fan club and his son Bruce (who occasionally works with his father's hero) keeps a autographed picture of ten-year-old Thomas and the Lantern.
* Thomas was killed on June 26, 1986 at 10:48 PM.

## External Links

* Thomas Wayne on DC Database
* Thomas Wayne on Wikipedia