Joseph E. Wayne's Obituary
Joseph E. Wayne, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, uncle and friend, age 87, of Decatur, entered through the gates of heaven on Friday, December 5, 2008. Dad was met there by his beloved Jesus, his loving wife, Mary, and his cherished granddaughter, Brittany.
Mass of Christian Burial will be Tuesday, December 9, 2008, at 10:00 am in Our Lady of the Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Mt. Zion, IL with Fr. Joseph Malloy as celebrant. Burial will follow in Mt. Zion Cemetery with military honors. Visitation will be held on Monday from 5-7 pm, also in the church. Memorials may be made to Our Lady of the Holy Spirit Catholic Church, St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, Macon Resources, Inc. and the National Alliance on Mental Illness.
Dad was born December 21, 1920, in Decatur, to William and Lily Condell Wayne. Dad married our mother, Mary Seaberg April 1, 1944. After graduating from Millikin University with an accounting degree, Dad entered the Army Air Corps and proudly served our country in the South Pacific during World War II. After returning home, Dad worked for Friede Chevrolet. In succeeding years, he worked at several Chevy dealerships as the office manager. Dad later became the co-owner of a VW dealership in Bourbonnais, Illinois in the 1970’s. He finished his full time working career at Weidenbacher Olds. In semi-retirement, Dad worked as the office manager at Our Lady of the Holy Spirit.
One of Dad’s proudest accomplishments was being among a group of parents who in the 1950’s worked to start Progress School for children with developmental disabilities. Dad was the treasurer for that group.
Dad enjoyed fishing, especially at the family’s vacation spot at Silver Lake, Michigan. Dad also enjoyed painting. He provided many beautiful paintings which are treasured by his family.
Dad is survived by his four sons: Jim Wayne and wife Debbie of Bark River, MI; Tim Wayne of Pekin, IL; Paul Wayne and wife Debi of Albuquerque, NM; and Rick Wayne and wife Becky of Forsyth, IL; his six daughters: Jo Ann Wayne, Michelle Wayne, Judy Rexroad and husband Ed all of Decatur; Mary Kay Crouch and husband Bob of Woodland Park, CO; Patty Downing and husband Gerry, Carol Denson and husband Charlie, all of Mt. Zion, IL; 16 grandchildren; 12 great grandchildren; one sister, Emily Byrkit, of Kingston, TN; and one sister-in-law, Bernadine Johnson, of Decatur; many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary; one granddaughter, Brittany; and two brothers, Albert and Jack. Dad’s kind and gentle spirit will be missed by all those who loved him.
The family of Joseph E. Wayne is being served by Moran & Goebel Funeral Home, 2801 N. Monroe St., Decatur, IL.
What’s your fondest memory of Joseph?
What’s a lesson you learned from Joseph?
Share a story where Joseph's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Joseph you’ll never forget.
How did Joseph make you smile?