L. Wayne Wilson
September 12, 1930 – October 9, 2025 Wayne Wilson, age 95, passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 9, 2025 at BlackBerry Pines in Elburn, Illinois. Born in Hanford, CA, the son of Leslie Verl and Emma LaVern Wilson. Wayne enjoyed growing up in California.

At the age of 17, Wayne joined the Navy and served until November of 1951. Interested in Mechanical Engineering, he received his BA in 1958 from San Jose State University. Wayne continued his education and received his MBA from Southern Methodist University in Dallas, TX in 1970. Shortly thereafter, he established a successful electrical contracting business.

On February 2, 1963, Wayne married the love of his life, Lois Jean Leffelman. Their loving marriage spanned nearly 63 years. During their marriage, the couple loved to travel the world, enjoyed boating and camping, and spending family time together.

Wayne is survived by his wife, Lois Jean, and their two daughters, Michelle (David) Johnson and Jacquelyn Casper, his grandchildren Michael (Beth) Johnson, Sarah (James) Levand, Zachary Byler, Travis Byler and his great grandchildren Logan and Ollin Byler and Lily Rose Levand.

He is preceded in death by his parents and two sisters, Marjorie Sewell and June Tomasello.

Visitation will be held Friday October 24, 2025 at Horner- Merritt Funeral Home in Mendota from 9:30-11:00am. Funeral Mass will be 11:30AM Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Churhc in Sublette, IL. Burial will follow at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Cemetery, following the service, after which there will be a luncheon at the Mendota Civic Center.
In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to honor Wayne's lifelong love of country, freedom, and education by making a gift to Hillsdale College in his memory. Contributions can be made online at Hillsdale.edu/support/way-to-give/, then scroll to "Tribute/Memorial Gifts".