Mr. Wayne E. Mitchell, age 75, of 5549 Luther Road, Tampico, Illinois died at his home in Tampico on Thursday, December 9, 2004.

Wayne Mitchell was born on October 16, 1929, in Manito, Illinois. He was the son of Merle and Gertrude (Palmer) Mitchell. He was united in marriage to Jean Waddell on August 8, 1948 in Manito, Illinois.

He began his faring career and raising melons in Manito. His desire for better ground brought him to Tampico in 1966, where he continued his farming operation. He had an extraordinary love of duck hunting, fishing, and a wonderful passion for life. He was a member of the Tampico United Methodist Church.

Wayne is survived by his wife Jean of Tampico,  one daughter, Peggy (Don) Burton of Sterling; one son, Doug (Cathy) Mitchell of Tampico, one foster son, John (Pam) Rogers of Pekin, Illinois, eight grandchildren, Whitney, Mitchell, Lisa Kahn, David Burton, Andra Piering, Nyla Newburg, Patrick, William, and Jonathon Rogers. He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers; and two sisters.

Funeral services will be conducted on Sunday, December 12, 2004, at 1 p.m. in Tampico United Methodist Church with Rev. Monty Fox, pastor officiating. Burial will be at Tampico Memorial Cemetery. Visitation will be on Saturday, December 11, 2004, from 2-5 p.m. at the Garland Funeral Home in Tampico. A memorial has been established in his memory to the American Heart Association, the Burton Foundation, or the Charity of the Donor's Choice.