On January 7, 1940, Darrell Wayne Atteberry was welcomed into this world by his parents, Samual Walker Atteberry and Velma Olive (Barrall), and his older brother Samual Dwight. The family was later joined by sisters, Virginia Lorraine and Jance Elaine.
Wayne’s father preceded him in death, being killed during WWII while fighting in The Battle of the Bulge. Wayne’s mother raised her four young children as a single parent and she and her children began to faithfully attend Salem Church of the Nazarene.
Wayne gave his heart to God as a young boy and from that point forward he dedicated his life to serving God.
When he was 18 years of age, he met the young lady he had prayed and asked God to send into his life. Wayne and Shirley Elizabeth Franklin were married on January 22, 1961. They began married life at just 21 & 18 years of age becoming inseparable partners over the next 64 years.
When they began their family, Wayne wanted 10 children while Shirley said only 2. They compromised and ended up with 5 children: Jeannie Beth Crain, John Wayne Atteberry, Deborah Sue Atteberry, Deanna Lou Clark (husband Robert), and Timothy Wayne Atteberry (wife Cindy Quinn).
Wayne is Grandpa – Pa – Gramps – GPa to a total of 15 grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren.
Wayne was an avid genealogist and traced his family history back to its origins in England, German, and Ireland. He published his life’s work titled “The Atterbury Family” which he dedicated to his father. His book includes almost 60,000 ancestors. His personal genealogy collection is extensive, having numerous pictures, news articles, and publications which he obtained through research or from family and friends.
Wayne was an accomplished pianist in both classical and Christian music. His passion for music led him to enroll at Blackhawk College in Moline, Illinois where he graduated with an associate’s degree in music.
He also served as Director of Music for Bible Missionary Institute in Rock Island, Illinois where he taught music and directed the college choir. He was pianist for the Watchmen Quartet, Collegiate Quartet, and several other Christian artists.
Wayne also served as a church pianist throughout his life, and he played piano for the residents of Twin Willows Nursing Home for many years.
Wayne recorded an album titled “Old Favorites” which included a collection of his favorite hymns performed by him on both piano and organ. In honor of Wayne, his family has chosen to play this album at his visitation.
Wayne also served as principal of Duncan Christian School in Duncan, Oklahoma. Eventually, he returned to his childhood town of Salem, Illinois where he settled to raise his family.
He retired from Fabick Caterpillar in 2002 after 27 years of service.
He attended Grace Church of the Nazarene in Salem. He served as pianist for the traditional music worship team and sang tenor in their Christmas cantatas.
Wayne peacefully passed away on April 29, 2025 with loving wife and family by his side after a battle with Alzheimer’s.
He is survived by his wife Shirley, their children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, his brother Sam Atteberry, sisters Janice Ray and Lesta Amerman, and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents Sam and Velma, sister Virginia Brown, and grandchildren John Michael Atteberry and Hadley Grace Atteberry.
The family would like to thank the Twin Willows Nursing Home staff for making Wayne a part of their family and giving him excellent care and much respect during his battle with Alzheimer’s.
Funeral Services for Darrell Wayne Atteberry will be held on Saturday, May 3, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. at Crouse Funeral Home in Salem with Ernest Mullins and Frank Baldwin officiating. Burial will follow at East Lawn Cemetery in Salem. There will be a visitation held on Friday, May 2nd from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Woodland Family Camp, a faith-based family retreat located in Alexandria, Indiana which Wayne faithfully supported and attended for many years. Donations can be made by check and are being accepted at Crouse Funeral Home. Online condolences and memories can be left at www.CrouseFH.com.