Wayne Schaffner

Darrell W. Schaffner, affectionately known as "Wayne" 75, of East Peoria, IL, passed away on Monday, March 18, 2024, at Washington Senior Living in Washington, IL. 

Wayne was born on June 6, 1948, in Kansas City, MO, the son of Verne and Jean Watson Schaffner. He married Dianne Caldwell in Chillicothe, IL, on November 1, 1997. 

Surviving are his wife, two sons, Chris (Trudy) Schaffner of Delavan, IL, and Scott (Beth) Schaffner of Royal, IA; three step-sons, Jeff Kuykendall of Roanoke, IL, Tim (Tina) Kuykendall of Washington, IL and Terry (Jackie) Kuykendall of Greensburg, PA; one step-daughter Amy Taylor of Morton, IL. Further surviving are eight grandchildren: Blake, Charley, Claire, Chloe, Jacob, Noah, Kenzie, and Drew; one great-granddaughter, Willow Jean; step-grandchildren Michael, Jeffrey, Taylor, and Austin; and four step-great-grandchildren, Cohen, Asher, Cora, and Theodore. Also surviving are one sister, Patti Schaffner of Chillicothe. His parents and one sister Shirley Schaffner preceded him in death.

Wayne's passions were as rich and varied as the countryside he tended. An avid reader, he found solace in the pages of a good book, often accompanied by the melodic strains of his favorite country music. His heart would swell with the harmonies of "Life's Railway to Heaven," a tune that spoke to his enduring spirit and the life journey he navigated with such grace.

Not one to sit still, Wayne relished the outdoors, whether he was perfecting his swing on the golf course, casting a line into a tranquil lake, or simply walking his cherished dogs, Mikey and Snicker. His love for the St. Louis Cardinals was as much a part of him as his collection of John Deere toys—a testament to his lifelong appreciation for the land and the machines that work it.

Above all, Wayne was a veteran of the United States Air Force who served his country with pride, a badge of honor he carried with him every day. His legacy is one of love, laughter, and the simple joys of life—a legacy that will be remembered by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.

A funeral service is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. Friday, March 22, 2024, at Mason-White Funeral Home in Washington. Visitation will be from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m., also at the funeral home. Following his service, cremation will be accorded. A private family burial will be at LaSalle Cemetery in rural Chillicothe. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the American Cancer Society. Mason-White Funeral Home in Washington is assisting the family with arrangements. To share a memory or send a condolence to his family, visit www.masonfuneralhomes.com.

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