Wayne W. Walbring

Wayne W. Walbring, 82, of Quincy, also known as the much-loved “Poppi” to his grandchildren, passed away at 1:45 am Saturday, January 27, 2024 at Blessing Hospital in Quincy, IL.

Friends and Family are invited to Wayne’s Life Celebration at a visitation that will be Thursday, February 1, 2024, from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm at O’Donnell-Cookson Life Celebration Home in Quincy, IL.

A Funeral Ceremony will be at 10:00 am Friday, February 2, 2024, at the O’Donnell-Cookson Life Celebration Home in Quincy. Kory Hollensteiner will officiate. Burial will follow at Greenmount Cemetery in Quincy, IL.

Wayne was born January 4, 1942, in Quincy, IL to Waldo W. and Margaret “Peggy” Walbring. He was married to Shirley J. Myers on July 5, 1970, in Bethel, MO. She survives.

Other survivors include his daughters, Karmon (Michael) Kindhart of Payson, IL and Kelli (Steven) Smith of Quincy, IL; five grandchildren, Peyton (Payton), Bailee, Spencer, Brady, and Kayden; two great-granddaughters, Brextyn and Waylynn; four sisters, Barbara Leeper of Texas, Wanda (Al) Manhart of IL, Irene (Jerry) Woodworth of Georgia, and Carolyn (Kent) Myers of Georgia; step-grandchildren, step-great-grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews; and one beloved dog, Cuddles.

Wayne was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents; a brother, Tommy Dabney; a brother-in-law, Jim Leeper; and a niece, Rebecca Kellum Vanega.

After graduating from Quincy High School, Wayne worked at an architectural firm in Quincy. He then worked as a Tool Designer at Gardner Denver. While there, Wayne enlisted in the Army in 1966 through 1968 where he served in the Vietnam War and gained the rank of Sgt. E5. Upon his return, he worked at Gardner Denver until he became part owner and manager of the Sandy’s restaurant in Pittsfield, IL, which later became Hardees. He was well known by all in Pittsfield and ran the best fast food restaurant in the area. He and a friend developed the “Hardees Pork Sandwich” in Pittsfield and sold it during the Pittsfield Pig Days Celebration. After retiring from Hardees, he operated Wendy’s in Barry for quite a few years. Karmon and Kelli both learned how to work in the service profession by working at Hardees and Wendy’s. He taught them to work hard and care for others. This led them both to become Registered Nurses.

Wayne was an avid NASCAR enthusiast. Cale Yarborough, who was sponsored by Hardees, and Kyle Busch were two of his favorite drivers. His passion for racing extended beyond the professional side, as he actively supported Quincy Raceways where he sponsored Steve Fraise, Ivan Long, and Mike Benjamin through Hardee’s. His love for motorsports also found expression in cheering on his daughter Kelli’s go-kart racing successes at the Quincy Raceway, where she earned numerous trophies. Known for his handy skills, Wayne found fulfillment in building and fixing things. He worked closely with Karmon’s husband, Mike, by helping to build their home. He also taught Kelli’s husband, Steve, how to work on cars and small motors. His creative side shown through his photography business, capturing memorable moments at weddings, graduations, family gatherings and racing events. Wayne also took numerous dance recital pictures and videos for Karmon’s Dance Academy for 20 years.

Wayne loved his family very much. He especially liked listening to Karmon and Kelli sing in their country bands, Golden Road Band and the County Sensations. Beyond his talents, Wayne was loved for his “special” popcorn and delectable Alfredo, which his family often requested. He could not get enough Maid-Rites, Mike and Ike’s and cold Dr. Pepper. However, his greatest joy came from spending time with his family. He was a constant presence at his children and grandchildren’s baseball, basketball, soccer, softball, and gymnastics events. Wayne cherished taking his grandchildren to the Illinois Veterans home to feed the ducks and deer. Wayne’s legacy lives on in the love and warmth he shared with those closest to him.

Wayne was a member of Vermont St. Methodist Church for many years and later attended The Crossing.

Pallbearers will be Spencer Smith, Brady Kindhart, Michael Kindhart, Steve Smith, Mike Hummel, Chad Hummel and Bob Myers.

Honorary pallbearers will be Peyton Sanders, Bailee Kindhart and Kayden Smith.

Wayne’s family would like to thank the Illinois Veteran’s Home Schapers B Memory Care Team for taking excellent care of “Grandpa” as they called him. They were always so loving and compassionate and we will forever be grateful!

Memorial contributions may be made to the Illinois Veteran’s Home Schapers B Memory Care Activity Fund.

Online condolences may be shared and video tribute may be viewed at www.ODonnellCookson.com.