John Rodgers

John Wayne Rodgers

"Johnny"

Age 58 of Joliet, formerly of Wilmington, passed away Thursday, March 11, 2021 at his home.

Born February 16, 1963 in Joliet, Illinois, John Wayne was the son of John and Delia "Sis" (Nelson) Rodgers.  He was raised and educated in Wilmington and graduated from Wilmington High School with the class of 1981.  Johnny was a member of St. Rose Catholic Church in Wilmington, as well as the Cathedral of St. Raymond in Joliet.  He loved to read his Bible every morning and to rock out the night with his extensive music collection.  In 2000, Johnny was involved in a multi-vehicle accident resulting in a traumatic brain injury.  Though it was a long road to recovery, with the assistance of Cornerstone Services in Joliet, Johnny was able to graduate into the community housing program where he lived alone for the past 10 years.

Survivors include his mother Delia "Sis" Rodgers of Phoenix, Arizona; daughter, Misti Lee (Jason) Shepherd of Metropolis, IL; two grandchildren: Hunter  and Noah John Shepherd; two sisters: Theresa Rodgers and Sheila Rodgers both of Phoenix, Arizona; one niece Jade Calmese and one nephew Dylan (Dani) Caballero both of Phoenix, Arizona.

He was preceded in death by his father, John D. Rodgers; maternal grandparents: Wayne and Irma Nelson of Wilmington;  paternal grandparents: Loren and Amy Rodgers of Olney, IL, and one niece Jazmyn Rodgers.

A special thanks to the staff at Cornerstone Services in Joliet, IL for their care and compassion through Johnny's recovery.

Per Johnny's wishes, cremation rites were accorded and private family services are being planned for a later date.

Preferred memorial may be made as gifts in Johnny's name to Cornerstone Services in Joliet.

Family and friends are encouraged to sign the online guest book, upload photographs, and share Johnny's memorial page by logging onto: www.BaskervilleFuneral.com/Obituary/John-Rodgers

Cremation services and arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Baskerville Funeral Home in Wilmington. ( 815-476-2181 )