Wayne Haws
Alton |
Wayne Curry Haws, age 93, of Alton, Illinois, passed away peacefully at his residence on Wednesday, January 29, 2025.
He was born on March 22, 1931, in Fallon, Nevada, the son of Leon William and Violet Bell (Steele) Haws.
Wayne married Reva Fay Kepple on December 24, 1955 in St. Louis, MO and enjoyed 65 years together, before she preceded him in death.
For 25 years, he worked as a welder at AO Smith, where he was known for his dedication and craftsmanship.
Wayne had a love for life that extended beyond his work. He was a proud Marine who served during The Korean War. He also loved to garden. He was an avid fisherman, a loyal St. Louis Cardinals fan, and a passionate animal lover.
Wayne had a fondness for all animals, especially cats and dogs. He would often feed the neighborhood stray cats. He would leave table scraps out on the back porch for any animals that came wondering by. Wayne taught his children and grandchildren to always help turtles cross the road, even if it meant stopping traffic.
Wayne was very quick witted, and could make up a funny song or rhyme on the spot, which always had his family laughing. He had great relationship with each of his grandchildren and knew each one individually. He was known to gift each one their own special nickname that is still used today. Wayne also loved watching western movies and listening to old country music. He was a life long member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
He is survived by his sons, Ronald (Pam) Haws, and Glen (Lori) Haws; his grandchildren, Sarah (Haws) Samuelson, Jacob Haws, Sadie Haws, Gabriel Haws, Ronald Haws Jr., Samuel Haws, Ryan Haws, and Seth Haws; and his great-grandchildren, Isaac Huntsman, Christian Samuelson, Leia Samuelson, Ruby Samuelson, Leo Samuelson, Joshua Haws, Michael Haws, Lillian Haws, Gideon Haws, and Saylor Haws. Siblings, Roy Haws, David G. Booth, Jeanette Lee Haws Miller, and Leslie Lynn Haws.
He is preceded in death by his parents, his loving wife, and his siblings, Mable Haws Hill, Leona Haws, Hazel Haws Senkoff, Oren Haws, Afton Haws Swasey, Flloyd Haws, Ivan "Reed" Haws, and Elnora "Nori" Dubree.
Visitation will be held on Friday, February 7, 2025, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Elias, Kallal, and Schaaf Funeral Home in Godfrey, IL.
Funeral Service will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, February 8, 2025 at Elias, Kallal, and Schaaf Funeral Home in Godfrey, IL.
Burial will follow at Rose Lawn Memory Gardens in Bethalto.
Families are Forever; We love you.
Elias, Kallal & Schaaf Funeral Home
