K. Wayne Conard

Kenneth Wayne Conard, age 87, of Cameron, Ill., passed away at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, November 5, 2009, at OSF Holy Family Medical Center in Monmouth, Ill., Wayne was born on November 10, 1921, in Monmouth, the son of John and Elsie Shimmin Conard. Wayne was raised in the home of Gertrude and Howard Taylor and graduated from Peoria Manuel High School in Peoria, Ill. Wayne served in the United States Army Medical Corps during World War II. On January 7, 1943, he married Carol J. Youngquist in Cameron. She survives. In his early years he worked as a firefighter at the Academy in Colorado Springs. Colo., where he also performed in parades and rodeos with his horse Buddy along with his wife Carol and her horse Taffy. Upon returning to Illinois, he worked for Munson Hybrid before going to DeKalb Research for a combined 22 years service. In his retirement he moved on to Cavanuagh Bus Service where he drove a short bus. Due to health reasons he retired. Wayne served as fire chief and trustee for the Cameron Volunteer Fire Department for a number of years as well as area coordinator for the Special Olympics. Life long member of the Cameron Christian Church, Wayne was Elder Emeritus. Wayne loved his horses, woodworking, being out doors, square dancing, bowling and his Chicago Cub. Most of all Wayne loved his family and many friends that he made over the years. Surviving Wayne are his wife Carol Conard of Roseville, Ill., one daughter Diane Conard (Kenny Shepler) of Roseville and David Conard of Monmouth and one granddaughter Abby Conard of Monmouth. Also surviving are several nieces and nephews. Preceding Wayne in death are his parents, foster parents, brother Robert Conard and his wife Hildred Conard. Services:A funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, November 9, 2009, at Cameron Christian Church. Interment with military honors will be in the Silent Home Cemetery, Cameron. Wayne's family will be present to receive friends from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 8 at Turnbull Funeral Home in Monmouth. A memorial fund is being established for Cameron Christian Church or Warren Achievement Special Olympics.