Wayne A Chamberlain

Wayne Chamberlain passed away peacefully on September 26, 2024, at the Marion VA Medical Center. Born in Salina, Kansas, on July 19, 1955, to Melva and Willard Chamberlain, Wayne graduated from Washburn University in Topeka, Kansas and proudly served his country in the U.S. Army.

In 2008, Wayne met the love of his life, Sue, and they were married on February 24, 2009. Wayne and his loyal companion, his dog Hawkeye, moved to Carbondale, Illinois, where they began their life together. During his time in Carbondale, Wayne worked in various roles, including at True Value and as a behavioral teacher’s aide with the Murphysboro School District, alongside teacher Julie Gale. He later worked for the State of Illinois at Chester Mental Health, managing property control.

In 2016, Wayne suffered a debilitating brain aneurysm and stroke. Despite the odds, with Sue by his side, he made an incredible recovery and enjoyed several years of a full and active life.

Wayne is survived by his devoted wife, Sue; his sisters Connie Brown (Emmett) of Texas and Vickie Wiebe (David) of Kansas; his stepchildren Jennifer Mayer (Bobby) and Sam Isaacson; and step-grandchildren Landon, Oliver, KaYeong, and Caribe Mayer, all of Arizona. Wayne also leaves behind many aunts, cousins, nieces, nephews, and his Illinois family of in-laws. He will be missed by his beloved pets, both canine and feline.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his in-laws Bill and Doris Brandon, his best friend Floyd, brother-in-law Bill Brandon, sister-in-law Karen Owens, and a special niece, Beka Johnson.

Wayne’s love for music, good food, and storytelling brought joy to those around him. He had a deep appreciation for his favorite local restaurants—Riley’s and the Vault in Marion, Cindy B’s in Murphysboro, and Mary Lou’s in Carbondale—where he considered the staff dear friends.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the caregivers from the VA, home health care, and the home caregivers who provided excellent care for Wayne, as well as to his sisters-in-law Beth Brandon and Nancy West for their unwavering support.

A private service will be held in Wayne's memory.