Wayne` E. Meyer

Manito-Wayne E. Meyer, 87, of Manito passed away at his home on May 16, 2014 surrounded by his family. He was born on March 3, 1927 in Parkland in Springlake Twp. near Manito the son of Harry E. and Ivy C. Rynerson Meyer. He married Billie M. Risen on March 7, 1948 in Manito. He is survived by his wife of 66 years and three daughters Penny Baker of Shoreview MN., JoAnn (Bill) Smith of Marion KY. and Jeanie (Barry) Spraggs of Manito; one son Jim (Mary) Meyer of Manito; one sister Urla Golden of Dekalb; eight grandchildren and twelve great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother Harold Meyer, one grandson Shane Spraggs and one brother in law E.E. Golden. Wayne attended a one room school in Parkland and graduated from Manito High School in 1945. He served in the US Army Medical Corp. until honorable discharged in 1946 at which time he returned to Parkland to farm for 42 years until retiring in 1988. After retiring, he built a home in Manito almost entirely of reclaimed lumber salvaged from old barns and buildings he had torn down over the years. The expansive gardens around his home have attracted many visitors. In 2010 Wayne and Billie were nominated by the Manito community and selected as “Citizens of the Year” and served as Grand Marshalls for that years Popcorn Festival Parade for their life-long contributions to their community. Throughout his life Wayne was an avid conservationist and outdoor enthusiast. He created ponds for the ducks and geese he raised which provided a safe haven for migrating waterfowl each autumn. He was a master duck carver and furniture builder. His hand-crafted creations includes 60 grandfather clocks, hundreds of carved ducks and many replica antique furniture pieces that are enjoyed by family and friends. He served two terms on the Forman District 124 School Board; was a lifetime member of the Tazewell Co. Farm Bureau; a member of the Manito Historical Society; the Hill-Palmer American Legion Post #561 and a former member of the Pekin Bottle Club. A Celebration of Life gathering will be at 11 A.M. Tuesday, May 20, 2014 at Maas-Hurley Funeral Home in Manito. Deacon Bob Sondag will officiate. Visitation will be from 9 A.M. until the time of service at the funeral home. Online memorial messages may be left for the family at www.hurleyfh.com. Memorials may be made in Wayne’s honor to the Forman Valley Library, the Manito Historical Society or to the Community United Methodist Church.

Wayne` E. Meyer

March 3, 1927 - May 16, 2014

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