Wayne F Stafford

Born March 3, 1937 in Creve Coeur to William and Florence (Cook) Stafford, he married Karen Tift on October 21, 1972 in Manito.  She survives.

Also surviving are two sisters, Diane Dunne and Janis Lourgos, both of Pekin; three nieces, Erin Viergutz, Kris VonDerHeide, Caroline Lourgos and three nephews, Sean Dunne, Dan Ehrett and Dirk Ehrett.

Wayne was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Lowell; one sister, Carol Holloway and one brother-in-law, David Dunne.

He had served in the United States Army.

Wayne was a graduate of East Peoria Community High School and Bradley University, from which he received his Bachelor's and Master's Degrees in Education and Administration.

A member of the Tazewell County Retired Teachers Association, Wayne had worked as a teacher for Pekin Public School District 108 for 33 years, retiring in 1992.

An avid St. Louis Cardinals fan, he also enjoyed golf, tennis and sports in general.  He loved reading newspapers and keeping up on current events.  He was a devoted family man and a pet lover.

Visitation will be from 4 to 6 p.m. Monday, March 4, 2013 at Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin.  Cremation will be accorded.

Memorial contributions may be given to Tazewell Animal Protection Society, 100 Taps Lane, Pekin, IL 61554.

To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com