Wayne E. Wagner

Wayne E. Wagner, age 74 years, a resident of rural Creal Springs, Illinois, passed away Monday morning, July 14, 2025 at 5:37 A.M. at HCA Florida Gulf Coast Hospital in Panama City, Florida. Wayne was born on September 17, 1950 in Chicago, Illinois. He was the son of Jack Wagner and Dorothy (Cunningham) Wagner. On September 17, 1969, Wayne was united in marriage to Nancy Ann Kuipers in Chicago, Illinois. She survives. In addition to his wife, Wayne is survived by – children: Anthony (Clay Moon) Wagner of Venice, Florida, Scott (Angela) Wagner of New Burnside, Illinois, Kimberly (Mike) Ilbery of Creal Springs, Illinois, Amber (Johnathyn) Wagner of Vienna, Illinois; grandchildren – Zachery Wagner, Matthew Wagner, Tyler Gass, Trinity Ilbery, Kloe Ann Pierce, and Jameson Davis; great grandchildren – Anthony, Aurora, Riley, William, and Josie Wagner; sisters – Linda Patrizi of Portage, Indiana and Mary O’Siel of Hobart, Indiana; brothers – Michael Wagner of Chicago Heights, Illinois and John Wagner of Johnston City, Illinois; sisters-in-law – Susan Rossi of Grand Chain, Illinois and Sandra Shakespeare of St. Petersburg, Florida; cousins – Morris “Sug” (Linda) Cunningham of Hanson, Kentucky; and Patty Knowles of Madisonville, Kentucky; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Wayne was preceded in death by: his parents; a grandson – Lucas James Wagner; brothers – Morris, George, and Steven Wagner; a nephew – Randall Rossi; and a brother-in-law – Michael Rossi. Wayne was a graduate of Bloom Township High School and Purdue University (Northern Indiana Campus). He was employed as a millwright by U.S. Steel in Gary, Indiana. Wayne later was employed in mine construction by the Old Ben Coal Company at West Frankfort, Illinois. He also worked as a millwright and heavy equipment operator at Boyd Brothers, Inc. in Sesser, Illinois. Wayne was a member of the United Mine Workers of America, Local # 2420 in West Frankfort, Illinois. In his spare time, Wayne was an avid outdoorsman. He enjoyed fishing and hunting. He and Nancy enjoyed taking cruises. In his early years, Wayne was a drummer in a band. More recently, Wayne developed a interest in wine making. Wayne particularly cherished time spent with his family, who he loved and cherished. Wayne was a member of the Little Egypt Emmaus Community. Together, Wayne and Nancy worshipped at the Carbondale First United Methodist Church. A funeral service honoring the life of Wayne E. Wagner will be conducted Saturday afternoon, July 19, 2025 at 2 P.M. at Bailey Funeral Home in Vienna. Rev. Jim Barnett and Rev. Dr. Ray Long will officiate. There will be a time of visitation Saturday from 12 P.M. until the time of service. Burial will be in the New Salem Cemetery near Creal Springs, Illinois. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society - World Wide Technology Hope Lodge of St. Louis, 4207 Lindell Blvd, St. Louis, Missouri, 63108 or to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tennessee 38105-1905 or to the St. Joseph's Indian School, 1301 North Main St., Chamberlain, South Dakota 57325.

Wayne E. Wagner

September 17, 1950 - July 14, 2025