Ramona barber Wayne Channon hangs up his scissors after 60 years

After six decades of cuts, trims, stories and laughter, Ramona’s beloved barber Wayne Channon has retired.

Known affectionately as “Wayne — The Barber,” the 78-year-old Channon first stepped behind the chair on Dec. 6, 1965.

His shop — located close to the center of town — became more than just a place to get a haircut. It was a walk-in-only, no-appointment-needed space where news was shared, friendships were formed and stories unfolded. 

With its original 1960s wood paneling and wallpaper still intact, visitors to his shop often felt like they were stepping back in time. Historical photos of Ramona, plaques from sponsored youth sports teams, family heirlooms like shotguns, and even a mounted 1970 elk bull brought in by longtime customer Art Hernandez still decorate the historical building.

Channon’s roots in Ramona run deep. Born in 1946, he moved to the town from El Centro with his family in July 1947. After graduating from high school, he briefly worked at the Giddings and Corley Egg Ranch before his father encouraged him to pursue a more lasting profession.

With barbers already in the family, Channon enrolled in a 10-month barber program in downtown San Diego, paying $450 in tuition.

He graduated from the San Diego Associated Barber College and, at 19 years old, began working under original shop owner John Hartwell. At the time, a haircut cost just $1.25.

The building itself has a rich history. Originally constructed in the 1930s by Sam Stoker, its original name was Buckhorn Barber Shop in 1946 under Hartwell. It was remodeled in the 1960’s and renamed City Barber Shop. Channon took over the business in 1972 when Hartwell retired and eventually purchased the property in 1979.

His very first customer was a neighbor, Cliff Vine. Since then, he’s cut the hair of generations — including five generations of the Angel family from Mesa Grande.

“Wayne has cut all the men in this family since the day he started as a barber,” said Danny Angel, a longtime friend of Channon’s. “I’m gonna miss that place, it was the center of the town’s gossip. He’s one hell of a guy.”

At one time, he even gave rodeo legend Casey Tibbs and former San Francisco Giants Manager Roger Craig a trim.

Channon officially retired his scissors on Aug. 30 with a gathering of friends and customers who came to say good-bye and wish him well.

His barbering stories are endless. He reflected on one memorable moment that involved a young Gary Dunham, whose first haircut required two people to hold him down. More than two decades later, Dunham brought his own son — who reacted in the exact same way.

“I reminded him of how he’d done the same thing,” Channon recalled with a chuckle.

But Channon’s legacy in Ramona goes beyond the barber chair. In 1966, he served as a volunteer firefighter. He also dedicated his time to Ramona Little League (now Ramona Pony Baseball), the Ramona Rotary Club, the Palomar Sportsman Club, and as a 4-H Swine Leader.

He remains an active member of the Ramona Chamber of Commerce.

Channon has two two daughters and is a grandfather to four. His eldest daughter, Denise, lives in Julian with her husband, Jake Dewitt, and their sons Christopher and Bryce. His daughter, Karen, resides in Ramona with her husband Butch Dewitt, Jake Dewitt’s cousin, and children Reese and Adam. 

Reflecting on his retirement, Channon expressed deep gratitude:

“I’m going to miss the people, the conversations, the generational families,” he said. “There was never a day I didn’t enjoy coming to work.

“Thank you, Ramona, for the honor of cutting your hair and for sharing your family generations with me.”