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, siblings, John Roberts of Campbell Hill and Mary Lou Gander of Marion. 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 atraditional 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 on Saturday, June 20, 2026, at 11:00 am, at The Ridge Church, Carbondale, Illinois, with Pastor Mike Young officiating, 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.