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BORN

1929

DIED

2018

FUNERAL HOME

Overman-Jones Funeral Home

15219 South Joliet Road

Plainfield, Illinois

Brenton Wadsworth Obituary

Brenton H. "Brent" "Bink" Wadsworth, age 88, U.S. Air Force veteran 1952-1954, a resident of Yorkville, IL and Tarpon Springs, FL, died Tuesday, February 6, 2018 at his home. He was born March 11, 1929 in Buffalo, NY. Beloved husband of Jean Wadsworth (nee Both), whom he married February 14, 1954, loving father of Stanley Wadsworth of Aurora, IL, Leslie (Paul Loague) Wadsworth of Aurora, Martha (Mark Grimm) Wadsworth of Cornelius, NC and Eric (Traci) Wadsworth of Tampa, FL, adored grandfather of Brenton and Tess Wadsworth, devoted son of the late Dr. Harold and Julia (nee Hamilton) Wadsworth, dear brother of Betty Jones of Joliet, IL and the late Stanley (Mary of Scottsdale, AZ) Wadsworth, fond brother-in-law, cousin, uncle, great-uncle and friend of many. He grew up in Joliet, IL and is a Graduate of University of Illinois School of Landscape Architecture. He worked for Robert Bruce Harris, a mid-century golf course architectural firm. He then proudly served in the U.S. Air Force from 1952 to 1954. He married Alice Jean Both, of La Grange, Illinois in 1954. In 1955 he started a golf course design firm, Packard and Wadsworth. Then in 1958 parted ways to establish Wadsworth Golf Construction Company for the purpose of constructing golf courses. The golf industry exploded and The Wadsworth Golf Construction Company has built over 900 golf courses primarily in the United States with many receiving high accolades. He modestly achieved extensive recognition of his contributions to the game of golf. Brent believed in providing the less fortunate people an opportunity for enjoyment from the game of golf. Through his Company, contributions are made to charities devoted to these endeavors. In particular, the disadvantaged, disabled, families and youth are targeted recipients. To further those goals, he established the Wadsworth Golf Charities Foundation in 1997 along with his wife and children. The Foundation, through the years, sought to make the character building attributes of golf accessible to more people by making gifts and grants to many organizations throughout the entire country that supported the Foundation's mission of self improvement, which in turn could benefit society to become a more honorable, gentler and friendlier place. Aurora University inducted Brent with a Doctorate of Humanities in 2008 and he received a Doctorate of Humanities in 2013 from Lewis University. The enrichment from several church affiliations was paramount in Brent's daily life and his marriage of 63 years. He loved life and had a unique zeal when interfacing with people whether it was childhood friends, neighbors, employees, church members, customers or locals. He was devoted to his fraternity and friends from college throughout his life. Recreation was always close to nature as he was amazed at the incredible beauty enveloped across the country. Brenton's amazing life was one of genuine hard work, resourcefulness, great accomplishment, unprecedented generosity, eternal modesty and unwavering kindness. All apparent in his unforgettable smile. It is hard to believe that he started with nothing and gave as each success afforded him to do so. As a special friend acutely acknowledged at his 60th Birthday "You would never hear a word of this from Brent as Brent's life was heaven sent." Visitation Saturday, February 10, 2018, 3:00-5:00 P.M. at Overman-Jones Funeral Home, 15219 S. Joliet Road (Corner of Rts. 30 & 59), Plainfield. Additional Visitation Sunday, February 11, 2:00-3:00 PM at Trinity United Methodist Church, 2505 Boomer Lane, Yorkville, IL 60560, (630) 553-7645. Funeral Services will follow Sunday, 3:00 PM at the church with Rev. Michael Stoner officiating. Private Interment: Oak Grove Cemetery, Bristol, IL. In lieu of flowers, donations in Brent's memory can be made to the: Wadsworth Golf Charities Foundation. The Foundation is dedicated to improving society through the embodiment of the moral, ethical and cultural codes of the game of golf. Checks may be made to Wadsworth Golf Charities Foundation, 13941 Van Dyke Road, Plainfield, IL 60544, (815) 436-8400 or please visit www.wadsworthgolffoundation.org/donation.php For more information, please call (815) 436 - 9221 or visit www.overman-jones.com

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Published by Beacon News on Feb. 8, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for Brenton Wadsworth

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5 Entries

Bonnie & Denny Siebert

February 12, 2018

Sending you love, thoughts and prayers. I so remember having dinner with you both many years ago. Without you realizing it you had a big impact on our lives. What an inspiration you both were to so many.
God bless all of you
Bonnie and Dennis Siebert (Ski & Bike Chalet)

Sally Jensen Jones

February 10, 2018

When it came to golf, Mother ~ Bennie Jensen ~ loved to share stories of Binky and the BAC. And, a couple of years ago, the members made me an official BAC hat. Mom loved the hat, and Binky.

February 10, 2018

Jean and family,

So sorry to read about Bink's passing away. I have so many fond memories of the golf trips with the members of the Benson AC which included my brother Jack, who was so close to Bink. We had so many laughs and plenty of Bink's favorite dinners which always seemed to include some form of BBQ ribs. What a great and generous guy and I always felt honored to be included in the group.

Please excuse my absence at the services as we are in Florida but my prayers are with you and your family.

Sincerely,

Joe Duffy

The Spathiphyllum Plant by FTD - BASKET INCLUDED

a loved one

Sent Flowers

Denny Davenport

February 8, 2018

My sincere condolences to the Wadsworth family. Brent had an enormous and lasting impact on golf, especially in the Chicago area. He helped design many courses with Larry & Roger Packard and built many courses around the country. He was instrumental in designing and building the 3-hole course for the CDGA Foundation at Midwest Golf House. More than anything, he was a kind, thoughtful and generous man.

Denny Davenport
Former Executive Director
Chicago District Golf Association

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Memorial Events
for Brenton Wadsworth

Feb

10

Visitation

3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Overman-Jones Funeral Home

15219 South Joliet Road, Plainfield, IL 60544

Feb

11

Visitation

2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Trinity United Methodist Church

2505 Boomer Lane, Yorkville, IL

Feb

11

Funeral service

3:00 p.m.

Trinity United Methodist Church

2505 Boomer Lane, Yorkville, IL

Funeral services provided by:

Overman-Jones Funeral Home

15219 South Joliet Road, Plainfield, IL 60544

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