Wayne E. Ladewig's Obituary
CHARLESTON, IL - As of Friday, August 28, 2015, Wayne E. Ladewig, age 73 of Charleston and formerly of Harvey, IL, joined his father and the two are doing what they loved the most - exchanging stories with their toes in the sand. The Ladewig and Cannon family invites you to join with them on Saturday, September 19, 2015 at Adams Funeral Chapel in Charleston as they host a celebration of his life beginning at 5:00 p.m. The evening will close at 7:00 p.m. with Military Rites conducted by the Honor Guard of the Charleston VFW Paul McVey Post 1592. It is requested that thoughtful donations in his honor be made to the Charleston Baseball Program. Gifts may be left during the time of celebration or may be mailed to Adams Funeral Chapel, 2330 Shawnee Dr., Charleston, IL 61920. Wayne was born on June 11, 1942 in Harvey, IL, a son of the late Wayne H. and Mary L. (Harbison) Ladewig. He married Cindi Lee on June 24, 1995 in Albuquerque, NM and they have shared 20 loving and devoted years of marriage. In addition to Cindi, he is survived by their children, Terry Ladewig and wife Kathy of El Paso, TX, Jason Cannon of Albuquerque, and Justin Cannon and wife Jenna of Indianapolis, IN; one grandchild, Johnny Ladewig of El Paso; a sister, Barbara Bushue and husband Art of Clinton, WI; and a nephew, Jason Childress. Wayne was extremely patriotic and honorably and proudly served his country with the United States Army, was a member of the Charleston VFW Men's Auxiliary where he served as a bugler with the Honor Guard, and the Mattoon American Legion Post 88. Wayne loved umpiring and helping to inspire the young people to play and develop a love for the game. He was a member of the Babe Ruth League, Inc. National Umpire's Association and the Girls Slow Pitch Softball Umpire's Association. Wayne was a great handyman and could fix anything which was the reason "Housecalls" has been such a successful construction and handyman business for the past 20 years. He especially enjoyed assisting the senior citizens with their home repairs and maintenance. It was important to Wayne that when the job was done his customers be happy and satisfied with his work because he wanted to leave with more than a paycheck - he wanted to leave as a friend. Wayne loved to fish and make doll house furniture. He also loved animals, especially his dog, a beagle/sheltie mix named Chloe, and visits from his granddog, Gypsy. As a result of Wayne's extensive baseball collection and love for the game he was affectionately known as "Mr. Baseball" and Opening Day was considered to be a holiday in the Ladewig house. He enjoyed watching all the games but especially cheered for his beloved Chicago Cubs. Wayne was happiest when with his family and when achieving his daily goal of making people smile. He endeared himself to all who met him and he will forever be appreciated for his humor, his commitment to helping others, and his presence behind the plate. He will be truly missed by his family and many friends.
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