Wayne G. Patterson

Wayne G. Patterson, age 75 of Bourbonnais passed away on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at his residence. He was born on May 11, 1950, in Chicago, the son of George Bell Patterson and Margaret Slean. Wayne married Nancy A. Robinson in 1971 in Kankakee. She preceded him in death on April 28, 2024. Wayne loved his family and worked hard to take care of them. When the manufacturing industry dried up in Kankakee, he worked three jobs to keep his family afloat. Eventually he became a truck driver to meet this goal and retired from trucking to help care for the love of his life, Nancy. Wayne served in the US army during Vietnam and continued to serve in the Army reserves for 20 years. He was proud of his service to his country. He was a patriot and believed in flying the American flag outside his home. He loved to fish and took Michael on many fishing adventures on the back roads of Kankakee County and beyond, often joined by his lifelong friends and their children. He was proud of and dearly loved his grandchildren and spoiled them at every opportunity he could. He would do anything for anyone. Often helping family, friends, and neighbors in any way he could. He was a shade tree mechanic. In recent years he looked forward to going to church and spending time with his sister Lynne, niece Kris Knowles, and her husband Daniel Knowles, nearly every week. He treasured his time with them. His passing was a sudden surprise and devastating to us all. He was a one-of-a-kind character with a heart of gold and will be forever remembered and missed by those who loved him. Surviving is one son, Michael Patterson (Dawn Sanderson) of Wonder Lake, IL; one sister, Lynne Martino of Bradley; three brothers-in-law, Ray Robinson of Bradley, Jerry Robinson of Limestone, Terry (Jeanette) Robinson, Crown Point, IN; sister-in-law, Barb Robinson of Bourbonnais; and two grandchildren, Corrine Lou Patterson of Chicago, Ethan Michael Patterson (Morgan Patsis) of Ingleside; and many nieces and nephews. Wayne is preceded in death by his wife, Nancy; his parents; two brothers-in-law, Larry Robinson, Joseph Martino; two sisters-in-law, Jackie Robinson and Mary Robinson. Visitation will be from 1-4:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 25, 2026, at Clancy-Gernon Funeral Home, Bourbonnais. Cremation rites will be accorded following the visitation. Inurnment will be at 12:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, Elwood, IL, processing from the funeral home at 11:00 a.m. Memorials may be made to Family Wishes.

Wayne G. Patterson

May 11, 1950 - January 17, 2026