Wayne Lockett

Wayne Lockett, 79, of Westfield, Illinois, passed away on February 6, 2026, at Copper Creek Cottages Memory Care Facility in Mattoon, Illinois, surrounded by his loving family and his cherished puppy, Isabella. A funeral service celebrating Wayne’s life will be held at 11:00 AM, Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at Mitchell-Jerdan Funeral Home, 1200 Wabash Avenue, Mattoon, IL 61938. Visitation will be from 5:00-7:00 PM, Monday, February 16, 2026, at the funeral home and from 10:00 AM until the time of the service on Tuesday, February 17, 2026. Pastor Brad Brown and Chaplain (Col, Ret.) Kevin Lockett will officiate. Wayne was born on April 3, 1946, in Kirksville, Missouri, to Bobby and Eva “Peggy” Lockett. He grew up in Rockford, Illinois, and graduated from Rockford East High School. Wayne earned Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science degrees in Physical Education from Eastern Illinois University. Wayne married the love of his life, Julie Ferguson Hills, on August 15, 1992, in Mattoon, Illinois. Wayne is survived by his loving wife of 33 years, Julie Lockett and his four children: Julie Hoyt (David) of Orlando, Florida; Katie Alfieri (Victor) of Canton, Georgia; Jace Hills (Jennifer) of Newton, Illinois; and Jenna Orrell (Harley) of Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. He was a proud grandfather to eight grandchildren: Allie Hoyt of Winston-Salem, North Carolina; Jack Hoyt of Orlando, Florida; Sofia, Gigi, and Stella Alfieri of Canton, Georgia; Joleigh and Jeremiah Hills of Newton, Illinois; and Anna Orrell of Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. Also surviving are Wayne’s father, Bobby Lockett; brothers Mike (Jan) Lockett and Kevin (Peggy) Lockett; sister Peggy Jo (Steve) Anderson; brothers-in-law Jed (Barb) Ferguson, Jim (Joy) Ferguson, and John (Cindy) Ferguson; and sister-in-law Hollene Ferguson. Wayne was preceded in death by his mother, Peggy Lockett; his father-in-law, Jim Ferguson; his mother-in-law, June Ferguson, and his brother-in-law, Jeff Ferguson. Wayne dedicated more than 35 years of his life to teaching and coaching, leaving a lasting impact on countless students and athletes. He taught and coached at Kansas Junior/Senior High School in Kansas, Illinois, conducted motorcycle safety and emergency vehicle safety classes at Eastern Illinois University, and spent 28 years as an instructor at Lake Land College in Mattoon, Illinois, until his retirement in 2010. There, he taught Physical Education, Health, First Aid, Recreation, and Education courses. He also served as Head Men’s Basketball Coach at Lake Land College from 1982 to 1989. An Army veteran, Wayne served during the Vietnam War. He carried his sense of service and discipline into every part of his life. Known affectionately as “Hoss” to his family and “Papa Hoss” to his grandchildren, Wayne had a lifelong love of horses. For more than 30 years, he raised and worked with Quarter Horses and was the steady, behind-the-scenes presence preparing horses for shows for his two youngest children. He also competed in Cowboy Action Shooting. He loved being outdoors, caring for the horses and working on his ranch. Wayne was also an avid fisherman and a lifelong St. Louis Cardinals fan who enjoyed attending games when possible and faithfully watching them on television. His greatest joy in life was spending time with his children and grandchildren. The family extends their deepest gratitude to Dr. Shakir, Michelle Delrossi, and the staff at the Sarah Bush Lincoln Regional Cancer Center in Mattoon, Illinois, whose expertise and dedication allowed Wayne to live comfortably for 13 years following his Multiple Myeloma diagnosis in January 2013. In addition, heartfelt thanks are extended to April Stephens and the staff at Copper Creek Cottages in Mattoon for their compassionate care as Wayne battled dementia. Their kindness and commitment meant more than words can express. The family would also like to thank Transitions Hospice, who were a great comfort to Wayne and his family and went above and beyond to ensure Wayne was comfortable, respected, and cared for with compassion during his final days. Wayne will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. Please visit www.mitchell-jerdan.com or www.facebook.com/mitchelljerdanfuneralhome to light a virtual candle in his honor or share a memory with the family.

Tributes

Wayne Lockett

April 3, 1946 - February 6, 2026