Albert S. Wason

Albert S. Wason Sr.

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Age 94. Al was A�??taken homeA�?i�� on Monday October 3, 2011 just 3 weeks short of his 95th birthday. He was a lifelong Crest Hill resident where he was a member of the Joliet Rivals Club and the Chaney Progressive Club. In his youth, he was an avid basketball and baseball player, popular with many area teams; including the Chaney Club, Joliet Rivals, Skedels, Farrell Manufacturers, the Joliet Moose, the Speed Boys, and Purpura Tailors. Al was a United States Army veteran serving his country during World War II in the 3rd Army 108th Evacuation Company. He fought from Utah Beach in Normandy France through to the end of the war. He received 3 Bronze Battle Stars, 3 Overseas Service Bars, the Good Conduct Medal, the African Middle Eastern Theatre Ribbon, and the World War II Victory Medal. He returned from the war the day after Christmas 1945, and worked for the Joliet Brickyard, Beatty Lumber Co. and as a custodian at Romeoville High School from which he retired in 1980 after 17 years of service. He maintained a lifelong love of sports, winning several bowling league championships while league secretary for many years. In addition he actively supported many area high school sports teams. Al was also an avid horse racing fan. Every morning from 6:30 a.m. Al, with his gavel in hand, and his friends could be found at McDonaldA�??s drinking coffee and solving the problems of the world.

Survived by his loving children; Albert S. and Danielle Wason Jr, Robert and Kay Wason, Patricia and Michael Minarich; 7 loving grandchildren, Christopher (Meg) Wason, Adam (Joanna) Wason, Jeffery (Sherri) Wason, Mary Beth (John) Ross, Anne Wason, Christine (Will) Hudson, and Marc (Laura) Minarich; 5 great-grandchildren Tyler, Emma, Hailey, Hannah, and Jake; a sister-in-law, Mary Wason, and a brother-in-law, Bill Barnes. Numerous nieces, nephews and a cousin also survive.

Preceded in death by loving wife of 34 years, Marion J. (nee Randich) Wason (1974); his parents, a loving grandson, Mark Wason; a twin brother, John, and a brother, Samuel; 5 sisters, Margaret, Evelyn, Hattie, Viola, and Lois.

Funeral Services for Albert S. Wason Sr. will be held on Friday October 7, 2011 at First and Santa Cruz Lutheran Church 55 W. Benton St. Joliet, IL at 10:00 a.m. with Pastor Keith Forni officiating. Interment with Military Honors will take place at St. Mary Nativity Cemetery. Visitation will be Thursday from 2-9 p.m. and again on Friday morning where he will lie-in-state at the church from 9:00 a.m. until time of services.