Wayne Edwin Richard, 94, of Mt. Vernon, IL passed away on Thursday morning, April 21, 2022 at Mt. Vernon Countryside Manor. He was born October 23, 1927 in Johnston City, IL to the late Edwin and Lillian Richard. Wayne married Virginia June (Rainey) Richard on January 23, 1948 and she passed away on November 27, 2012.

Wayne is survived by his son, Wayne L. Richard and wife Lori, daughters, Elaine Carlton, Debbie Dunavan and Gina Kabat; 10 grandchildren, Bri Richard, Sarah Lisewski and husband Tim, Jared Richard, Darrell Dunavan and wife Rebekah, Devin Conner and husband T.J., Tara St. George and husband Brad, Aaron Carlton, Brett Carlton, Dena Kabat; 16 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great-grandchildren and one on the way; sister Eva Roberts and brother Clarence “Buddy” Richard and wife Diane.

In addition to his wife, Wayne was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Harry, Henry, Ray “Jack” and Carl, sisters Mary Ellen Grant, Alice Richard, Roberta Jennings, Brenda Richard and Yvonne Kirk.

Wayne served in the U.S. Army the worked at the Stove Foundry in Mt. Vernon and then Old Ben and Inland Steel Mines. He was an avid Cardinal fan. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, great-great-grandfather and beloved man to all who encountered him. Wayne Richard did not know a stranger and made his way into many peoples hearts. He will be greatly missed by all, he made the world a better place.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 P.M. Sunday, April 24th at the Johnston Funeral Home in Ina with Rev. Merle Fullerton officiating. Burial with Military Rites conducted by Mt. Vernon American Legion Post #141 will be in the Bethel Memorial Cemetery in Mt. Vernon. Visitation will be from 11:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. on Sunday at the funeral home.

For more information or to send online condolences please visit www.johnstonfuneralhome.com