Wayne Jackson

EAST PEORIA—Leroy “Wayne” Jackson, 84, of East Peoria died at 6:36 PM on Saturday, April 9, 2011 at his residence. Born Sept 24, 1926 in East Peoria, IL to George W. and Mildred I. Williams Jackson, he married Betty Jane Howe on May 22, 1949 in East Peoria. She preceded him in death on April 27, 2009 in East Peoria. Surviving are his son, Gregg W. (Pam) Jackson and daughter, Cindy I. (Larry) Cassidy both of East Peoria; 6 grandchildren, Michelle (John) Burgess of East Peoria, Janice (Phil) Vincent of Peoria, Darryl (Crystal) Waldrop of Washington, Lisa (Jeff Shipley) Jackson of Mackinaw, Jonathan Leggins of Morton, and Andrew Stidham of East Peoria; 10 great grandchildren, 2 great great grandchildren; sister, Kathryn Royal of Lake Wales, FL and brother Joseph (Jerri) Jackson of Washington. He was preceded in death by his parents, 2 brothers George “Bud” Jr. and Alfred Jackson, 2 sisters Vivian Boyd and Charlotte Schultzky and infant sister, Leslie Jean Jackson. Wayne was a US Navy Veteran serving during World War II. He managed the Harper Oil Company filling station in Peoria, where he served for 25 years. Wayne was a member of Faith Christian Centre in Washington. Wayne is exactly where he has wanted to be for the past two years, with his wife in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ. He told us many times, “Do not be sad when I am gone. To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. We will see each other again.” He loved and served the Lord for many years. His sense of humor was classic! Our family has truly been blessed. It has been an honor to call him Dad and Grandpa. Wayne was also an avid Cubs and Bears fan. A funeral service will be held at 2 PM on Wed April 13, 2011 at Deiters Funeral Home & Crematory in Washington. The Rev. Rick Brisbin will officiate. Visitation will be held one hour prior to services at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Glendale Cemetery in Washington, where military rites will be accorded. His family would like to extend a special thank you to Drs. Gravlin and Bonnello, and to Sheri for the care they provided to Wayne. Because of his love of animals, please consider a memorial contribution in Wayne’s memory to PAWS.

Wayne Jackson

September 24, 1926 - April 9, 2011