BYRON – Wayne E. Heater, 91, of Byron, passed away at Swedish American Hospital on Sunday, Feb. 2, 2020. He was born on April 26, 1928 to Lloyd and Emma (Drury) Heater.
He graduated from Leaf River High School in 1945. He married Mary Murphy on Oct. 5, 1946 in Pecatonica. Wayne was a lifelong resident of Leaf River. He was born on the family farm and continued living there, farming and trucking until 2006 when he and Mary moved to Byron. When he was just 16 he would drive the family stock truck to Chicago which began his love of trucking. In 1969 Wayne had his own trucking company becoming an owner/operator hauling merchandise for various local companies.
Wayne enjoyed traveling with Mary in their RV visiting throughout many states. He also enjoyed riding his motorcycle and having morning coffee with friends at local cafes.
He is survived by his wife of 73 years Mary of Byron; 2 daughters, Cheryl Heater of Crest Hill and Cathy Williams of Byron; 2 grandsons, Justin (Janelle) Williams of Naperville and Jamie (Shannon) Williams of Leaf River; 2 great grandchildren, Owen and Paityn Williams, sister-in-law, Patricia Fisher; and many nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents and son-in-law, Russell Williams.
A celebration of life will be held on Monday, April 27, 2020 from 5-7 p.m. at the Farrell Holland Gale Funeral Home in Byron. In lieu of flowers memorials are established for Serenity Hospice & Home.
The family would like to thank the staff at Swedish American Hospital for their loving care and support.
To leave an online condolence please visit www.farrellhollandgale.com
