Wayne Silvius

Wayne Silvius went to his heavenly home on September 3, 2022. He was born on June 12, 1927 in Warmolts Clinic (which was located by the river in Oregon, IL) to Ross and Nellie Silvius. His growing years were in Mt. Morris, IL where he attended school and graduated in 1946. After graduation, he went on a United Nations Relief Program to Athens, Greece in which the group called “Seagoing Cowboys” delivered 850 cattle. Wayne also attended 2 years of college at Manchester College in North Manchester, Indiana. In 1950, he married Esther Boyd of Ashton, IL. They lived in Oregon, IL for a year and then moved to Ashton where he spent the rest of his life. They were blessed with 3 daughters; Ginger (deceased) of Tremont, IL, Vickie of Warrenton, Virginia and Lynette of Watertown, Wisconsin.

Wayne worked in several grocery stores before moving to Ashton where he became ‘Parts Manager’ for Boyd Motor Sales. After the garage closed in 1958, he became manager of the “Scoop Restaurant” in Ashton for a short time until it closed. After these two closings he worked as a Sales Representative for several companies, mainly Keebler Cookies and Rust-O-Leum paint.

After retirement, he and Esther worked with the “Nomads”- a mission organization that went to areas in the states that needed help in various ways. He also volunteered for the Lincoln Highway National Headquarters in Franklin Grove, IL and became president of the Illinois Lincoln Highway Board of Directors. He served as a tour guide at the Franklin Grist Mill and the Chaplin Creek Pioneer Village.

Wayne served on the Ashton Fire Department for 25 years and 15 years as a Trustee for the department. He was also a very dedicated Lions member, one of the charter members of the club beginning in 1954 with perfect attendance throughout his life. He was also a faithful member of the Ashton United Methodist Church, serving in various capacities and played in their Bell choir.

His love of travel with his wife met his goal of seeing all 50 states, 20 foreign countries and 12 islands.

He is survived by his wife, Esther; His daughters, Vickie (Bryan) Graham of Warrenton, Virginia and Lynette (Kim) Thompson of Watertown, Wisconsin; 1 sister, Doris Ihman of Akron, Indiana; Son-in-law, Michael Lynn of Tremont, IL; As well as 7 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Ross and Nellie Silvius; A sister, Wilma Werner; A brother, Dwight Silvius; As well as his daughter, Ginger Lynn.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be donated to the Ashton United Methodist Church or the Ashton Lions Club.

A memorial visitation will be held on Saturday, October 8, 2022 from 9:30 – 11:00 A.M. at the Ashton United Methodist Church, 906 Richardson Ave, Ashton, IL 61006. A memorial service will take place immediately afterwards at 11:00 A.M. with a graveside service to follow at Ashton Cemetery. Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Beverage-Lyons Family Funeral Home. Online condolences may be made at www.beveragelyonsfamilyfh.com