John Wexell

John Wexell, 74, of LaFollette, passed away on Thursday, Feb. 18.

John passed away at Oak Ridge Methodist Medical Center after a brief illness. He was born on Oct. 11, 1946, the son of Warren Wexell and Dorothy (Anderson) of Cambridge, IL.

During his youth, he lived on several different farms in Henry County, IL. He started school at the age of 5, going to Cambridge Grade School for 1st through 3rd grade. His next three years were spent in grade school in Bishop Hill, IL. Today, the entire village of Bishop Hill is a state historic site, and the school building he went to is a museum.

Of course, John had nothing to do with any of this. John's junior high and high school years were spent back in Cambridge, IL, where John graduated in 1964.

On June 14, 1964, John started to work for the State of Illinois Department of Transportation. His first three months with the state were spent attending a crash course at the University of Illinois in Civil Engineering, where he received a diploma as a civil engineering technician.

After spending a year and a half with the state, Uncle Sam said, "Boy! I want you," so John enlisted and spent three years in the army.

John moved to Dixon, IL, where he returned to work for the State of Illinois Department of Transportation. Shortly after returning from the Army, he met and married Nancy (Levan). They were married for almost 40 years.

During much of this time, he was active in the Dixon Evening Lions Club. On Dec. 31, 2001, John retired from the Department of Transportation after working for them for 35 years. After his retirement, he spent some time traveling.

Then, by a pure act of God, he met the love of his life, Anita. After a brief long distance relationship, where John and his dog, Bo, would spend many hours on the road to be able to see Anita for the weekend, John and Bo moved from Dixon, IL, to Tennessee.

On Aug. 8, 2012, John and Anita were married. They lived in Oak Ridge for about four years. After Anita retired from Oak Ridge Associated Universities in 2015, they decided to move back to LaFollette.

John was preceded in death by his mother and father.

A memorial service was held at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 25 at Hillcrest Baptist Church with the Rev. Lynn Ray officiating.

In lieu of memorials, donations may be made to Campbell County Christian Learning Center: P.O. Box 256, LaFollette TN 37766.

Online condolences may be given at www.cross-smithfuneralhome.com.

Cross-Smith Funeral Home of LaFollette is in charge of arrangements.

LaFollette Press
February 25, 2021