Wayne Paul Cress, 73, of Springfield, IL passed away on January 7, 2022 at Memorial Medical Center.

Wayne was born in Quincy, IL on April 30, 1948 the son of Melvin and Marion (Henkenmeyer) Cress. He married Linda Platt on July, 30 1972.

Wayne was preceded in death by his parents; son, Eric James Cress and his brother, Don "BUD" Cress.

He is survived by his sons, John (Dina) Cress of Germany, and Mike Cress of Springfield. Bonus sons Andy "Rooster" McCoy and Mike Harvey. Grandsons, Jonathan, and Brandon Cress. Bonus grandchildren, Oliva (Jake) Schenkel of Virginia, Dylan and Bryton Harvey and bonus great granddaughter, Hunter Schenkel.

After high school, Wayne served in the U.S. Army. He then went on to work for WGEM in Quincy and then WICS TV20 for 40 years before retiring.

Wayne and his family hosted over 30 foreign exchange students from all over the world. These students became family, making Wayne an international father.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday January 19, 2022 at Ellinger-Kunz and Park Funeral Home, 530 N 5th St. Springfield, IL 62702 from 5:00pm – 7:00pm. The Funeral Service will be held the following day at 9:45am at the funeral home. Burial will conclude at Camp Butler National Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to the DAV (Disabled American Veterans).