CARBONDALE - Wayne Roberts, age 90, of Carbondale, formerly of Campbell Hill, passed

away peacefully at his home surrounded by his family following a brief illness.

Wayne was born on September 14, 1935, in Campbell Hill to Harold “Hoopie” and

Beulah Garver Roberts. He often joked that he lived his entire life within a two-mile

stretch—born one mile south of Campbell Hill and spending most of his years one mile

north. On August 12, 1961, he married the love of his life, Ruth Giffin, and together they

shared 64 wonderful years of marriage filled with love, laughter, and countless

cherished memories.

Wayne is survived by his devoted wife, Ruth, of Carbondale; his son, Steve (Carol)

Roberts of Glen Allen, VA; his daughter, Diane (Chuck) Summerlin of Makanda, IL; and

his greatest joys in life—his four beloved granddaughters, Kayla Roberts of Seattle, WA,

Kendra (Tony) Geroulis of Phoenix, AZ, Ella Summerlin of Edmond, OK, and Averie

Summerlin of St. Louis, MO. Wayne’s family meant everything to him, and he was

unwavering in his pride and admiration for them. He delighted in sharing stories about

his granddaughters with anyone who would listen, often reminding Ruth how blessed

they were to have “four amazing granddaughters.” Known lovingly as Dad, Grandpa, Papa,

or Pataw, Wayne was deeply cherished by his family, who will forever hold him in their hearts.

Wayne was a Veteran of the United States Army. He was a member of the First Baptist

Church of Ava and attended The Ridge Church in Carbondale. He loved to play

pinochle with the Wednesday Senior Pinochle group in Ava. He was a member of the

Belgian Draft Horse Association and the Jackson County Farm Bureau.

Wayne’s legacy is one of kindness, humor, and of course, livestock. He didn’t want a

traditional funeral service, preferring instead a gathering where family and friends, led

by his adored granddaughters, could come together to remember him through laughter,

love, and the sharing of tales from his remarkable life. And oh, were there stories to tell.

A celebration of Wayne’s life will be held during the summer, a season he loved, where

his family and friends can gather in remembrance of a man who lived life fully and

whose impact will be felt for generations to come.

Memorials may be made to The Ridge Church, First Baptist Church of Ava, or to St.

Judes and can be mailed to Wilson’s Funeral Home, P.O. Box 277, Ava, IL 62907.