Obituaries

Wayne E. Azbell

February 14th, 1926 – March 12th, 2016

Wayne E. Azbell, age 90 of Macomb, formerly of Ipava, IL, passed away at 10:15 pm on Saturday, March 12, 2016 at Heartland Health Care Center in Macomb, IL. He was born on February 14, 1926 in Ipava, the son of Edward and Zena (Nelson) Azbell. On November 28, 1946 he married Frances Jean Easley in Ipava. She preceded him in death on February 20, 2002.

He was also preceded in death by three brothers, Donald, Kenneth, and Raymond Azbell, two sisters, J. Irene Breitingross and an infant, and two half-brothers, John and Lyman Azbell.

Wayne is survived by his daughter, Kristy (and Wayne) Little of Centennial, CO, his three sons; Kim (and Gwen) Azbell of Vermont, IL, Kevin (and Evelyn) Azbell of Phillips, WI, and Kerry (and Marcia) Azbell of Bernard, IA, eight grandchildren; Brandon (and Kristen) Azbell, Hadden Little, Ben Little, Erin (and Louis) Kaczmarowski, Galen Azbell, Jenna Azbell, Traci Azbell, and Jordan Azbell, and three great-grandchildren, Lauren, Nicholas, and Michael Azbell.

He was an Army Air Force veteran, serving from 1944 to 1946 in the 147th Army Air Corps, Detachment 44 with a rank of Sergeant.

Wayne received his Bachelor of Science in Education from WIU in 1950 and his Masters of Science in Education in 1952. He received a Certificate of Advanced Study from WIU in 1968 and his Doctor of Education from the University of Nebraska in 1971.

He was an elementary and jr. high teacher for Ipava Schools from 1950-1957, Principal at Bardolph High School from 1957-1961, High School Principal at VIT from 1961 to 1965, and Professor of Education at WIU from 1965-1990.

Wayne served on the VIT School Board from 1966 to 1972, was President of the Western Division of the Illinois Association of School Boards in 1971, and was Chairperson of the North Central Evaluation Team, Canton High School in 1978, Lewistown High School in 1977, and Warsaw High School in 1981.

He authored the book entitled, "The History of Ipava" in June of 1986. He was a member of the Ipava Masonic Lodge and the Ipava United Presbyterian Church where he served on many committees.

Services will be held on Saturday, March 19, 2016 at 10:30 am at the Ipava United Presbyterian Church. Pastor Kevin Kessler will officiate. Visitation will take place from 5-8 pm on Friday, March 18, 2016 at Shawgo Memorial Home in Astoria, IL. Interment will be in the Ipava Cemetery with military rites provided by the Ipava American Legion. Memorials may be given to his church or the Heartland Health Care Center in Macomb.

Condolences

March 13th, 2016

You have my sincere sympathy.
Maxine Burgard Vigna

March 15th, 2016

Dr. Azbell was an excellent professor at WIU. I learned a great deal while taking his class. Mary Aten

March 16th, 2016

So sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Sincerely, Roy Evans

March 17th, 2016

Thinking of Wayne's Family during this difficult time, Sending Prayers

Nancy Morrison @ Heartland HC

March 18th, 2016

Such an absolutely stellar man in every respect. We share in your loss and offer our greatest sympathy. Neil Southwood

May 31st, 2016

Sorry for your loss. Soon there will be perfect human life on a paradise earth. Revelation 21:3,4.