Wayne Christian Wills

Wayne Christian Wills, 91, of Hanover, Illinois, passed away on September 28, 2026, at Hearthwood Senior Living in Bartlett, Illinois. A funeral service will be held Saturday, October 10, 2026, at 12 p.m. at Law Jones Funeral Home, in Hanover. Visitation will take place from 10 a.m. until the start of the service. Burial will follow at Evergreen Cemetery, in Hanover.

Wayne was born on March 31, 1935, in Guilford, IL. To Harold and Lois Wills (Stadel).

He grew up in Elizabeth with his four sisters Sandra (Wilkinson), Beverly (Hess), Dixie (Gayton) and Bonita (Cantu) where he attended Elizabeth High School. Wayne spent his working years in the automotive industry, building a career in auto body repair at Jack Schwartz Chevrolet in Elizabeth where he earned the nickname “Charlie” from his lifetime friend Tom Rife. On October 14, 1961, Wayne married his beloved wife Frances Marie. They celebrated 56 years of marriage before her passing in 2017.

After working at the Chevrolet dealership Wayne started his own successful business K&P autobody with the initial help of his friend Harvey Kloss and “Petey” Palmer where he worked with Tom Rife.

Wayne was a lifelong member of the United Methodist Church in Hanover, and he proudly served with the United States Army Reserves for almost 30 years where he received several commendations and rose to the rank of E8 Master Seargent serving with the 389th Engineering Battalion from Dubuque, Iowa. He enjoyed his time serving and developed many lifelong friendships with his unit members.

A simple and hardworking man, Wayne found enjoyment in the everyday things in life. He also occasionally participated in camping events for the Hanover Boy Scout troop. He Also participated in 4H with his sons including pet rabbits and duck from Whistling Wings. He enjoyed gardening and growing his own vegetables which involved Frances spending many hours canning the bounty of his efforts. What he enjoyed most was family gatherings with his sisters and the many nieces and nephews. Wayne loved to fish, especially with his family and including his granddaughters in his adventures.

He also visited the occasionally casino and dog track with his wife and relatives and would later visit casinos with his friend Daryl Steinhagen to challenge the slot machines.

He loved his many visits to Manny’s Pizza with family and friends like Tom and Nancy Rife.

Wayne is survived by his three children: Alita Ballard of Hanover; Kevin (Janet) Wills of Streamwood, Illinois; and Doug (Laura) Wills of Huntley, Illinois; five grandchildren, Leann, Josh, Brianna, Amanda, and Trevor; and two great-grandchildren, Dylan and Olivia. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Frances; and his four sisters, Beverly, Bonnie, Sandy, and Dixie.