Wayne English

Wayne English, 87, of Utica, passed away peacefully at home on March 24, 2025 surrounded by his family.

Funeral services will be 11:00 AM Thursday, April 3, at Hurst Funeral Home in La Salle with Brother Luke McLachlan officiating.  Burial will be at Waltham Cemetery with full military services conducted by the La Salle/Oglesby Veterans Memorial Group.  Visitation will be 4 to 7:00 PM Wednesday, April 2, at the funeral home and additional visitation will be 10:00 AM Thursday until time of services.

Wayne was born in Troy Grove on December 10, 1937 to Earl and Lola Mae (Kirsteatter) English.  He was a farmer his working life and married Patricia Mackin on November 14, 1964. They were married for 53 years. They enjoyed their life together traveling to many countries including Europe, Dubai and Vietnam, as well as many road trips in one of his classic cars. He enjoyed going to all the local car shows and showing off many of the classic cars he owned throughout the years.

Wayne was a 1956 graduate of Mendota High School and then served in the United States Reserves. He enjoyed roller skating, running in the Oglesby Turkey Trot, riding his bicycle on the Towpath, and going to the Peru YMCA to exercise and play basketball.  He also enjoyed fundraising for the American Heart Association, including events like Chicago Shamrock Shuttle and Hustle up the Hancock.  He loved watching his grandchildren in sports and other activities.  

Wayne is survived by his daughter Kristen (Andrew Shinault) Bailey of Utica; his son Dr. Jeffrey (Phannee) English of Oglesby; three grandchildren, Keaton Bailey, Matt English, and Lola English; one brother Dr. Donald (Laura) English of Rockwall, TX; and two good friends, Kevin Kotecki and Marty Brown.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife Patricia on May 27, 2018.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the American Heart Association, Marquette Academy in Ottawa, or the Pet Project in Marseilles.

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