Wayne Heberer
Mr. Wayne Heberer of Okawville, IL departed this life in the Friendship Manor Health Care Center in Nashville, IL on Tuesday, September 19, 2023 at 12:35 A.M. He had attained the age of 80 years, 4 months, and 1 day.
Wayne was born in Okawville on May 18, 1943, the son of William F. and Pearl (nee Garbs) Heberer. He was a 1961 graduate of Okawville High School. Wayne was united in marriage to Darlene Miller in St. Louis, MO on May 15, 1971, and she survives his passing.
Mr. Heberer served in the United States Army and later in the Army Reserves. He worked as a reactor operator at P.D. George in St. Louis until his retirement in 2003. Wayne was an accomplished trumpet player and in his youth was a member of the Okawville Explorers Drum and Bugle Corp. Wayne was a faithful member of St. Peter’s United Church of Christ in Okawville. He would often play his trumpet for church services, most notably at Easter Sunrise services. Wayne was also a member of American Legion Post 233 and played Taps at hundreds of military graveside services. Wayne could be seen driving around in his car with his HOTLIPS license plates. Wayne enjoyed being outdoors and fishing. He loved hanging out in his shed listening to music and enjoying an ice cold beer or two.
Left to mourn his passing is his wife Darlene Heberer of Okawville; a daughter, Wendy Heberer of Addieville; a granddaughter, Autumn Heberer of Okawville; five siblings, Tyrone Heberer of Okawville, Jim Heberer and wife Jeanne of Venedy, IL, Susan Gyorkos and husband Richard of Okawville, Brenda Hoffman and husband William of Farmington, MO, and Kevin Heberer and wife Carol of Venedy; seven brothers and sisters-in-law, Lois Mitchell of St. Louis, Raymond Miller of North Fort Meyers, FL, Patty Scaggs and husband Gary of Okawville, Linda Abbott of St. Peters, MO, Muffy Wideman of St. Louis, Debbie Gaal and husband Ronnie of St. Peters, and Danny Miller of St. Louis; numerous nieces and nephews, great nieces and great nephews, other relatives and a host of friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister-in-law, Dolores Heberer, and his beloved dog, Spike.
Funeral services will be held from the St. Peter’s United Church of Christ in Okawville on Saturday, September 23, 2023 at 11:00 A.M. Interment will be in the I.O.O.F. Cemetery in Okawville.
Friends may call at the Campagna Funeral Home in Okawville on Friday from 5:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. and at the church on Saturday from 9:00 A.M. until the time of the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Peter’s Choir Fund or to the Okawville High School Music Patrons and will be accepted by the Campagna Funeral Home.
Online expressions of sympathy may be made at www.campagnafuneralhomes.com
