Earl L. Waddell Sr.

Earl (Lee) Waddell Sr. was born August 7th ,1935 in Lexington, Mississippi to the late Frank and Annie (nee Pitchford) Waddell. He passed away peacefully on January 3rd, 2025. Earl was married to Rebecca (nee Jones) for many years. He was a hardworking man who took pride in taking care of his family. He worked at Caterpillar for many years, and owned his own lawn care service. Earl loved to sit on his back porch during the summer months to visit with family and friends. His favorite breakfast was grits and scrambled eggs, and he loved Milano Bakery plain donuts. In addition, he enjoyed listening to blues, and watching westerns. Earl’s favorite show was Andy Griffith. He loved the character Barney Fife, and would laugh hysterically at his antics. He also enjoyed watching Steve Harvey on Family Feud. He was a caring father and grandfather. He would pick up his grandkids from school and then take them to McDonald’s. He always made sure they had money in their pockets. Earl was preceded in death by both parents; one daughter, Debra Ann; three sisters, Eula Waddell, Annie Mae Cohill, and Beatrice Redmond; five brothers, J.D. “Buster,” Frank, Willie “Duke,” Booker T. “Mane,” and Cassell. Earl leaves to cherish his memories; former wife, Rebecca, six children; Varena (John) Adams, Earl “Bo” Jr., Sherri, Krista, Marcus (Desaree), and Anthony “Ant”; three grandchildren, Brandon, Jasmine, and Eboni; four great grandchildren, Jamari, Jayla, Jace, and Elijah; and a host of relatives and friends. Special cousins George, Roosevelt Waddell, and Phil Jones; numerous nieces, nephews; special friends Avalee, Larry Milam, and Otis Spencer. He had a very caring transportation driver, Mark F. that took him to dialysis weekly. In addition, two exceptional care givers; Nico and Deja. Earl was a kind, loving man with a generous heart who will be truly missed. “And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away.” Revelation 21:4 Visitation and Funeral Service for Earl L. Waddell Sr. will be held at Delgado Funeral Chapel located at 400 Landau Ave. Joliet, Illinois 60432. Visitation: Sunday, January 12, 2025, 9:00 -11:00 AM Funeral Service will start at 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM cst. Live webcasting of the funeral service will be available online at 11:00 AM cst. for details or questions please call (815) 774-9220.

Earl L. Waddell Sr.

August 7, 1935 - January 3, 2025