Wayne Lee Jefferson

Wayne Lee Jefferson was born on May 18, 1934, in Grant Park, Illinois to T. Chester and Marian (nee Westerberg) Jefferson. He was raised in Kankakee, Illinois, and later moved to Carol Stream, Illinois with his wife and children.

He passed away early Sunday, January 29, 2017, at his home in Carol Stream, Illinois.

Wayne served as a Hospital Corpsman on the USS Oriskany with the United States Navy from 1953 to 1957 when he was honorably discharged. He was a former Exalted Ruler of the Kankakee Elks Lodge #627, a member of the Wheaton-Glen Ellyn Elks Lodge #2258, the Wheaton VFW, and the American Legion of Wheaton, and a 32nd degree Mason.

Wayne was a loving, selfless, and humble man who centered his life around his family. His relationship with his wife, Verla, exemplified true love and served as an example for how to love another person. He was reserved but was quick witted and had a dry sense of humor. He passed down his sense of humor, generosity, and love of sports and history to his children and grandchildren.

Wayne was an avid golfer, softball player, and Chicago sports fan. He loved to tease his grandchildren who are St. Louis Cardinals fans, especially during a Cubs-Cards game. He enjoyed World War II movies, westerns, history, the corner piece of cake, and a good cup of McDonald’s coffee with friends.

Wayne is survived by The Love of His Life of more than 58 years, Verla (nee Taylor) Jefferson; his siblings: Joyce (Roy) Wahl and Tom (Jackie) Jefferson; his children: Debbie Riley, Tom (Debbie) Jefferson, and Jon (Michelle) Jefferson; his grandchildren: Patrick (Laura), Nicole (Jay), Stephanie, and Jamie; his great-grandchildren: Becca and Charlet; his great-great-grandchild: Skylar; his step-grandchildren: Amanda (Briggs), Mason (Meghan), Emily, and Gavin; and his step-great-grandchildren: Sylus and Sterling.

The wake is on Wednesday, February 1, 2017, from 4 to 8 p.m. at Chapel Hill Gardens West Funeral Home, 17W201 Roosevelt Road, Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181.

The viewing is on Thursday, February 2, 2017, from 10:30 to 11 a.m. at Gary United Methodist Church, 224 N. Main Street, Wheaton, IL 60187, where the celebration of Wayne’s life will take place from 11 a.m. to 12 noon. A luncheon will follow in the church commons.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Gary United Methodist Church or to the People’s Resource Center, 201 S. Naperville Road, Wheaton, IL 60187.