Roger Lyle Waggoner (aged 85) passed on January 24, 2025, in Canton, Illinois. He was born July 27, 1939, in Peoria County, IL, to Donald “Skelly” Waggoner and Irene (Shaw) Leng.
Roger grew up in rural Williamsfield, IL, and graduated from Williamsfield High School in 1957. He married Jackie Braden on February 21, 1963. He served in the Illinois Air National Guard for 17 years, and 4 years in the United States Air Force. After leaving the Air Force in 1966, Roger and Jackie returned to Illinois to raise their growing family on a small farm north of Williamsfield. He worked for Midland Coal Company’s Mecco Mine in Victoria until it closed. He worked in various mechanical and truck driving jobs until he retired.
Roger was a man without pretense whose word was his bond. He served as a Boy Scout leader for many years and was a role model for a variety of young people. The garage on his farm was often filled with young men who wanted help repairing cars. Just like he did for his children, he didn’t do the work for them. He instead taught them how to do it themselves and sent them away with knowledge and skills for “next time.”
Roger was an avid reader and a history buff. His family can attest to his love of western novels and historical non-fiction. In the last week of his life, knowing his heart was failing, he went to the library and checked out several books, telling the librarian that he wanted to have enough books to get him through till the end.
He loved to tell stories about the adventures he’d had and the colorful people he’d known throughout his life. Roger was best known in the Williamsfield community for having hosted the American Legion Fish Fry for many years. A generation of local kids grew up picking Buckeyes in Waggoner’s pasture during the annual event.
Roger is survived by his wife, Jackie, and three children, Christopher (Denise) Waggoner of Williamsfield, Paula (Dave Shaw) Waggoner of Dacre Banks, England, and Cassie (Dan) Stegall of Oneida; two brothers, Dave Leng and Bill Leng; one sister, Donna McKenzie; six grandchildren, Jenna, Mitchell, Ian, Dennis, Braden, and Baily; and seven great-grandchildren and one-on-the way.
Roger is preceded in death by his parents; one son, Joseph Waggoner; and one brother, Carl Waggoner.
Cremation rites have been accorded. A graveside service with military honors will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 8, 2025, at Williamsfield Township Cemetery. A Celebration of Life will be held following the service from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Williamsfield Legion Hall.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be made to the Salem Township Library in Yates City. Donations can be sent via the Oaks-Hines Funeral Home. Online condolences can be made at www.oakshinesfuneralhome.com.
Oaks-Hines Funeral Home and Crematory in Elmwood is responsible for arrangements.