Jack DeWalt

Age 92 Of Palm Bay, Florida and formerly of Wilmington, Diamond and Goose Lake – Morris, Illinois died Sunday morning October 4, 2026 at his home.

Born July 6, 1934, in Henry, Illinois, Jackie Wayne was a son of Anthony and Gladys (Wertz) DeWalt. He was raised and educated in Henry before relocating to Wilmington. As a young man, Jack answered the call to serve his country and entered the United States Army, where he served honorably.

On September 17, 1955, Jack married Helen Dowling in Joliet, Illinois, beginning a marriage and partnership through which they built a home, raised their family, and shared the many chapters of life together.

Hardworking by nature, Jack spent the majority of his career in the trucking industry. He drove for Rayburn Trucking for 20 years and later continued his career with Roadway Trucking and Yellow Freight, from which he ultimately retired. Beyond his years on the road, Jack also had an entrepreneurial side and was one-third owner of the development of Diamond Estates Subdivision in Diamond, Illinois, a venture that became part of his lasting connection to the community.

Over the years, Jack enjoyed dividing his time between Illinois and Florida, maintaining ties to the communities he had long called home while embracing the warmth and lifestyle of Florida. In retirement, he eventually made Palm Bay his permanent home, where he spent the later years of his life.

Survivors include his two daughters: Diane (Tim) Thomas of Palm Bay and Jackie (Terry) Wilhelmi of Elwood, Illinois; grandchildren: Amber Ingram of Portland, Tennessee, Tim (Christine) Wilhelmi of Martinton, Illinois, Eric Wilhelmi of Symerton, Illinois and Ryan (Melissa) Wilhelmi of Elwood; great grandchildren: Alexis Ingram, Bradley Ingram, Avery Wilhelmi and Isaac Wilhelmi; two brothers: Tom DeWalt of Kewanee, Illinois and Gary (Lenora) DeWalt of Oakdale, Illinois and his sister, Katherine Hurd of Pekin, Illinois.

Jack was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Helen and one grandson, Chris Kavanaugh.

The family will receive friends for a visitation at Baskerville Funeral Home, 700 East Kahler Road in Wilmington on Tuesday, October 13, 2026 from 9:30 a.m. until time of funeral service 11:30 a.m. Burial with full military honors will follow in Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood, at 1:00 p.m., where Jack will be laid to rest with his late wife, Helen.

Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in Jack’s memory to the Will County Humane Society.

Family and friends are encouraged to log onto www.BaskervilleFuneral.com to sign the guest book, upload photos and share Jack’s memorial page online through social media.

Funeral services and arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Reeves Fruland & Baskerville Funeral Homes and Crematory. (815-476-2181)