Wade L. Kerley

Wade L. Kerley, 88, passed away at 10:10 a.m. Thursday, July 20, 2006, in Herrin Hospital.

He was born Mary 25, 1918, in Simpson, the son of Achillis Green "A.G." Kerley, and Bertha (Aly) Kerley.

Wade was united in marriage to Wanda Stewart on July 21, 1948, in Vienna, and she preceded him in death on Aug. 25, 2005.

Survivors include a brother, Ward Kerley and his wife, Dorothy, of Simpson; a nephew, Roy Kerley of Vienna; a niece, Lana Palmer of Belleville; great nieces and nephews, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law and a host of other relatives and friends.

In addition to his parents and wife, Wade was preceded in death by an infant brother, Aly Kerley.

Wade was a graduate of Simpson High School.

He was employed as a press operator for several years at the Geneva Modern Kitchens Assembly Plant. Following the plant closing, he operated a truck route for Harrison Heating Oil Co., then worked as a foreman for Welch's Construction Co. in Elgin until his retirement to Southern Illinois.

Wade was an active member and served as marshall in Gurnee Masonic Lodge 778 AF and AM in Simpson. He was a former member of the Order of the Eastern Star and was a life member of the Loyal Order of Moose in Elgin. Additionally, Wade was a member of Modern Woodmen of America.

He was a member of Simpson Baptist Church.

Wade was an avid outdoorsman. He enjoyed fishing and boating.

Wade especially loved watching sporting events and was a St. Louis Cardinals baseball fan.

Services will be at 1:30 p.m. Sunday in Bailey Funeral Home in Vienna with the Revs. Richard Martin and William Barrett officiating. Burial will be in Vienna Fraternal Cemetery.

Friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m. today at the funeral home. Masonic rites will be conducted at 8 p.m. today.

Memorials may be made to Simpson Baptist Church, P.O. Box 102, Simpson, IL 62985, or to the Heather Harper-Treat Memorial Cancer Fund, P.O. Box 98, Vienna, IL 62995.