Wesley Joseph Vala, Jr.

Wesley Joseph Vala, Jr. 65, of Springfield, died at 10:45 a.m. on Sunday, June 17, 2007 at his home. Wesley was born on July 6, 1941 in Decatur, the son of Wesley J. Sr. and Marjorie Elizabeth Opel Vala. He married Ann M. Stockton on March 15, 1978 in Springfield; she preceded him in death on November 6, 2003. He graduated from Riverton High School Class of 1959. He was a U.S. Marine Corps Veteran serving in Vietnam and decorated with the Presidential Unit Citation, Good Conduct Medal with 2 stars, National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with 6 stars, Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation with 1st class color, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry and Vietnam Campaign Medal. Wesley came home after his service in Vietnam and began working as a carpenter and painter. He then owned and operated the East End Tavern in Riverton. He also was employed at the State of IL as a nuclear energy radio dispatcher and retired from there in 1998. He was a member of St. Katharine Drexel Parish at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church. He was also a passionate member of DAV Hall Hagler Chapter 15 where he served as past commander. He enjoyed fishing and going on fishing trips out of state. He loved his dogs and birds, especially his bird, Tuxie. He was also preceded in death by his son, Richard “Ricky” Stockton; two grandsons: Jeremy and Joshua Stockton and his parents. Wesley is survived by two sons: Fred (wife, Penny) Stockton of Jacksonville and Todd Thomas Stockton of Chatham; three daughters: Toni (husband, Bob) McConnell of Yukon, OK, Karen (husband, Lee) Wahl of Springfield and Pat (husband, Bill) Handly of Springfield, VT; seventeen grandchildren and twenty-five great grandchildren; two brothers: William Michael (wife, Sharon) Vala of Cantrall and Frank John (wife, Linda) Vala of Springfield; one sister, Vicki Ann (husband, David) Spencer of Springfield; five aunts, one uncle; two nieces and three nephews. Cremation will be accorded by Butler Cremation Tribute Center. The family welcomes friends to visit for a Memorial Gathering from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the Memorial Ceremony at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, June 22, 2007 at Kirlin-Egan and Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St. Springfield with Rev. Msgr. John R. Ossola officiating. During the Memorial Gathering the Disabled American Veterans Chapter 15 will post guard. Burial will follow at Camp Butler National Cemetery where military honors will be conducted by the Interveterans Burial Detail of Sangamon County and the U.S. Marine Corps. Memorial contributions may be made to Disabled American Veterans Chapter 15 25 Club Area, Springfield, IL 62712.