Donald Robert Wayman

Donald Robert Wayman of Pontiac, Illinois, 73, passed away September 24, 2016 at his home surrounded by his loving family after a 26-month courageous battle with lung cancer.

Visitation will be Friday, September 30 at Pontiac First United Methodist Church from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Funeral Service will be held at the church on Saturday, October 1 at 10:30 a.m. The Reverends Gretchen Stinebaugh and Tom Goodell will officiate. Burial will be in Rooks Creek Cemetery. Duffy-Baier-Snedecor Funeral Home, Pontiac, is in charge of arrangements.

Don was born March 5, 1943 to Donald G. and Marie (Sullivan) Wayman. He married Carolyn K. Deffenbaugh June 16, 1965 at Cornell United Methodist Church. Surviving are his wife Carolyn of Pontiac; children Stephanie (Tim) Kohlmeier, Christine (Pat) Crowley, and David (Vicki) Wayman, all of Pontiac, and Jennifer (Matt) Herbert of Sun Prairie, Wisconsin; grandchildren Alex and Kayla Kohlmeier, Ryan, Kyle, and Casey Crowley, Leah and Drew Wayman, and Addison, Gavin, and Tyler Herbert. Also surviving are two sisters, Mary Gamblin of Cornell and Laura Wayman of Chicago, and one brother, Mark Wayman of Cornell.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother-in-law Bill Gamblin.

Don graduated from Cornell High School in 1961. Following his father's death during his junior year in college, he returned home to run the family grocery business.

Don was the owner of Don's Red Fox in Pontiac for more than 40 years until retiring in 2006. Following his retirement, Don's second career continued as friend of the community. He worked for the Livingston County VA driving veterans and volunteered at OSF St. James Hospital.

Don was a 50-year member of Pontiac First United Methodist Church where he served on the Board of Trustees and Finance Committee. He was also a leader in the annual Methodist Men's Pancake Breakfasts and participated in work missions to Haiti and Miami.

Don's generous donation of his time and resources to the community was limitless. His service to others was honored in many different ways. He was recognized as the first Small Business Person of the Year, Citizen of the Year, and Grand Marshal of the Thresherman's Parade. He also received the Fan Appreciation Award at the Pontiac Holiday Tournament. While these awards were special to him, the title Don took the most pride in was Grandpa.

Don was a loyal Chicago White Sox fan and long-time season ticket holder. He enjoyed many fishing trips to Canada and making memories in the Northwoods. Above all, Don will be remembered as a man who deeply loved his family.

Don never knew a stranger. He had a smile and a kind word for everyone. He will be greatly missed.

In lieu of flowers, Don's family requests memorials be directed to Pontiac First United Methodist Church, OSF Hospice, or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Don's family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to Dr. Bhanu Vakkalanka, Dr. John Migas, Dr. John M. Rinker, Pontiac Cancer Center, OSF Home health, OSF Hospice, and special friend and caregiver Molly Schneider.

Online condolences may be made to the family at duffyfuneralhome.com or visit us on Facebook.