ASHLEY, Ill. — Wayne E. Wilson passed from earth to heaven on Thursday, July 20, 2023 at his home in rural Ashley, Il.
He had been in failing health for the past few years.
Wayne was a master mechanic, a farmer and a prankster. If you knew him at all, we know you have a story to tell! Wayne began his mechanic’s career while still in high school at Thomson Farm Supply, then spent 25 years at Claude and Wayne’s Garage and 25 years at Tri Co Electric. He was a member and deacon of Mt. Zion Baptist Church near Ashley. He was also a board member of Mt. Zion and Minson Cemeteries. Wayne was born December 1, 1941, in Washington County to Arthur R. and Vivian N. (McNail) Wilson. On November 19, 1958 he was married to Diane Bevis and they would have celebrated their 65th anniversary this year. They are the parents of four children: Jerry (Julie) Wilson, Donna Schofield (deceased), Susan D. Wilson, and Sherri (Gale) Lowery. Grandfather of 11 grandchildren: Jabo (Anna) Wilson, Brandi Wilson (Neil) Schori, Whitney Wilson; Jessica Ilbery (Michael) Shaheen, Tim (Brandy) Ilbery, Jake (Julia) Schofield; Bobi Sue Talley Johnston, Caleb (Sarah) Talley; Eric (Jodi) Shelton, Christopher (Kristen) Shelton, and Isaac (Kami) Lowery; and foster grandchild, Shamar Boyd. Great-Grandchildren include Jon, Simon and Jacque Wilson; Hannah, Ava, and Mia Schori; Xavier Shaheen; Skylar and Aria Ilbery; Travis and Nevaeh Johnston; Irvin and Joel Talley; Blakelyn and Baylor Shelton; Nash and Titus Shelton; Kyndall, Koraline, and Kohen Lowery. Other survivors include Wayne’s sisters, Zona Livesay and Juanita (Don) Likens; In-laws, Darlene Wilson, Ella Wilson, Sherri Wilson, Larry and Cathy Bevis, Helen and Wayne Mooney, Mike and Kyle Bevis, Patty and Thad Heckman, Brad and Lynne Bevis, Brenda and Charlie Wimberly.
Wayne was preceded in death by his parents, in-laws, Kenneth and Chloe Bevis; daughter, Donna Schofield; infant granddaughter, Emily Wilson; two sons-in-law, Dan Schofield and Lloyd Ilbery; three brothers, Tom, Danny, and Russell Wilson; two brothers-in-law, Orville Boldt and Jim Livesay. Also survived by faithful friend, John Trader; long time friend, Zola Hutchison and special helpers, Race, River, and John Rynski.
A Visitation will be held Saturday, July 22, 2023, from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm at Newell Funeral Home in Mount Vernon, Illinois. A Private Burial will take place at a later time. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Mount Zion Cemetery, where Wayne’s parents and 14 grandparents are buried.
Call Hughey Funeral Home at 618-242-3348 or visit hugheyfh.com for further information.