Earl Wayne Lackey, 82, of Hoopeston, IL, passed away at 2:50 A.M. Wednesday, December 10, 2025, at his home. He was born May 29, 1943, at Lakeview Hospital in Danville, IL, the son of Willard and Thelma Mae (Ervin) Lackey. He married Jean Ann Ulrich on February 18, 1967, at the First Lutheran Church in Paxton, IL. She survives in Hoopeston.
He is also survived by his daughter, Jacqueline “Jacki” Jo (Chris) Gregory of Rossville, IL; son, Jason (Sarah) Lackey of Indianapolis, IN; sister, Judith Teran of Rossville, IL; two brothers, Victor Lackey of Rossville, IL and Bruce (Donna) Lackey of Danville, IL; four grandchildren, Hannah Claire Gregory, Jacob Christopher Gregory, Owen Joseph Lackey, and Mara Elizabeth Lackey; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Willard and Thelma Lackey.
Earl worked at FMC and later worked for John Deere. He was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Danville. He enjoyed gardening, tinkering in the garage, and spending time with his family and grandchildren. Earl loved visiting with people and never knew a stranger.
Visitation will be held 11:00 A.M. – 1:00 P.M. Tuesday, December 16, 2025, at Anderson Funeral Home, 427 E. Main St, Hoopeston, IL. The funeral service will follow the visitation and will begin at 1:00 P.M. Tuesday at the funeral home with Pastor James Yonkers officiating. Burial will follow in Rossville Cemetery.
Memorial donations may be made in memory of Earl to the Hoopeston Animal Rescue Team (H.A.R.T), 901 W. Main St., Hoopeston, IL 60942.
Please visit www.anderson-funeral-home.com to view Earl’s eternal tribute page and to send the family condolences.
Anderson Funeral Home in Hoopeston is handling the arrangements.
