Eddie Brooke
Livingston | Save
Eddie Wayne Brooke, 91, of Livingston, Illinois, passed away peacefully on July 11, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family.
Born on June 19, 1935, in Gillespie, Illinois, Wayne was the beloved son of Eddie and Elva (Innis) Brooke.
On December 22, 1956, Wayne married the love of his life, Dolores Dalla Riva, at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Livingston. Together they built a beautiful life of nearly 70 years of marriage, raising two children and creating a family that became the center of his world.
Wayne graduated from Gillespie High School in 1953 before earning his bachelor’s degree in Business Education from Eastern Illinois University in 1958. He later received his master’s degree in Administration from Southern Illinois University- Edwardsville in 1967.
Education was more than a career to Wayne, it was his calling. He began teaching eighth grade and coaching basketball at Grant Park Elementary before joining the Livingston school district, where he served as a teacher and principal at Livingston Grade School, while also coaching the Livingston High School basketball team for several years. He later became principal of Livingston High School, where he faithfully served until his retirement in 1992. Wayne was admired as a dedicated educator, respected administrator, and mentor who believed in helping every student build confidence, character, and the skills needed to succeed in life.
A man of deep faith and unwavering integrity, Wayne was a devoted member of Holy Cross Lutheran Church for 63 years. His commitment to serving others extended throughout his community as President of the Staunton Education Foundation, as well as a member of the Staunton Community Hospital Board. He especially cherished the lifelong friendships he shared with his “Dinosaur” breakfast group, where pinochle games, laughter, and stories created memories that lasted a lifetime.
Wayne embraced life with enthusiasm. He was a Golden Gloves boxer, an accomplished bowler, and an avid horseshoe player. He loved cheering on the St. Louis Cardinals and Rams and never passed up the opportunity for a good game of pinochle with anyone that would play. Alongside Dolores, he fulfilled a lifelong love of travel, visiting all 50 states and numerous countries. They enjoyed countless ocean cruises, dancing the jitterbug, and taking peaceful drives through the countryside together.
Above all else, Wayne treasured his family. He was a loving husband, devoted father, proud grandfather, and adoring great-grandfather. Nothing brought him greater joy than spending time with those he loved, whether attending family gatherings, sharing stories around the table, or simply just being together. His home was always a place where everyone felt welcomed, loved, and at ease.
Those who knew Wayne will remember his kind heart, welcoming smile, quick wit, and gentle sense of humor. He had a remarkable gift for making every person feel important, and his quiet generosity, humility, and steadfast love left a lasting impact on countless lives.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Eddie and Elva Brooke; his sister, Beverly Edwards; his brother-in-law, Don Edwards; and his parents-in-law, Joseph and Tillie Dalla Riva.
Left to cherish his memory are his beloved wife, Dolores Brooke; his children, Todd Brooke and Tari (Tony) Cerentano; his grandchildren, Kelly Cerentano, Dusty (Bess) Brooke, Kari (Nick) Skertich, and Nick (Megan) Cerentano; his great-grandchildren, Skyler, Zachary, Adelynn, Etienne, Holland, and Camden; along with many extended family members, dear friends, former students, colleagues, and all whose lives were blessed by knowing him.
Wayne lived a life defined by faith, family, service, and kindness. His legacy will live on through the countless students he inspired, the community he faithfully served, and the family he loved so deeply. Though he will be profoundly missed, the lessons he taught, the love he gave, and the memories he created will remain in the hearts of all who knew him.
Wayne’s visitation will be held on Saturday, July 18, 2026, from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 460 Church Street, Livingston, Illinois. Funeral services will immediately follow at 11:00 a.m., with Rev. Dr. Darwin Schrader officiating. Burial will be at New Spangle Cemetery in Livingston.
Memorials may be made to Holy Cross Lutheran Church of Livingston or the Staunton Education Foundation.
Williamson Funeral Home, Staunton, is in charge of arrangements. To order flowers or leave an online condolence, please visit our website at www.williamsonfh.com.
Williamson Funeral Home
