Gary Wayne Mayes

He was born October 4, 1947 in Springfield, Illinois to Robert Lee and Eleanor Bell Weller Mayes. He was preceded in death by his father and sister, Bobbye E. Mayes Nichols.

Gary served his country in the US Marines during Vietnam. He married Joanne Marilyn Travers on June 22, 1979 in Springfield. Mr. Mayes worked at IDOT for 25+ years with the highway maintenance crew. After retirement, Gary and Joanne wintered in Florida, enjoying the warmth and chatting with his neighbors.

His passion was buying and selling trucks and cars, while keeping them spotlessly clean. He was ornery, and often said what was on his mind, in his distinctive voice. Gary was outgoing with his great sense of humor and never met a stranger.

He will be greatly missed by his wife of 37 years, Joanne; son, Greg W. Kayla) Mayes of Chatham; daughter, Sarah J. Mayes (significant other Will Bekiesz) of Virden; grandchildren, Andrew J. Mayes and Benjamin Dingerson, both of Chatham; mother, Eleanor B. Mayes; brother, Robert (Dorothy) Mayes; sister, Mary J. Mayes (Cindy) all of Springfield; brother-in-law Ronald Nichols of Ft. Myers, FL; sister-in-law Jeanne Travers of Springfield; three nieces and one nephew.

Cremation rites will be accorded by Cremation Services of Central Illinois, 8855 State Rt. 4, Chatham before services. There will be a committal service at 12:30pm, Thursday, February 16, at Mound City National Cemetery, Hwy 3751, Mound City, Illinois, 62963, with Paula Staab Polk as celebrant. Military Honors will be conducted by the Department of Defense.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Wounded Warriors Project, PO Box 758517 Topeka, Kansas 66675-8517. Staab Polk Memorial Home, 8855 State Rt. 4, Chatham, is serving the Mayes family.