F. Wayne Taber

Freeman "Wayne" Taber died peacefully at his home in Coal Valley, Illinois, on Friday, January 12, 2018, with his family at his side. His passing came after a long battle with Alzheimer's disease.

Services are 10 a.m. Wednesday at Trinity United Methodist Church, 300 West 2nd Avenue, Milan, Illinois, with The Rev. Jon Warren officiating. Burial is in Rock Island National Cemetery where Moline American Legion Post #246 will present military honors. Visitation is 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at Trimble Funeral Home, 1700 1st Street, Coal Valley.

He was born on July 12, 1939, to Freeman and Rita Burke Taber in Rock Island, Illinois, where he lived until he was 10 years old. After which he moved to the small neighborhood of Ginger Hill in Milan, Illinois, where he spent the rest of his childhood. He graduated from Rock Island High School in 1960. Wayne married Rita Willet on June 3, 1961, in Milan. They lived together in Moline. In 1963 he volunteered for the draft. He was drafted into the Army serving two years at the beginning of the Vietnam War and earning the Expert Rifle Award. Wayne attended Black Hawk College after returning from his military service.

As a young man, Wayne loved to race motorcycles. Wayne and Rita opened Taber's Cycle Sales in Moline on February 19, 1969. Then in 1980, They bought Fun Mart Cycle Center. They were also blessed with two children Tim and Lisa.

In addition to his family and career, Wayne had many hobbies. He played racquetball. He was a long-distance runner. He was a member of the Corn Belt Race Team leading to participation in several full and half marathons, including the Boston and Disney Marathons. Along with his love for running, Wayne bicycled and swam. He and Rita enjoyed traveling.

Those who knew Wayne well often saw him as the light of a social gathering with his positive personality, playful sense of humor and quick smile. He was loved and admired by his children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Wayne is survived by his wife, Rita; two children, Tim Taber of Rock Island, and Lisa Moritz and her husband Randy of Colona, Illinois; two grandchildren, Seth and Zachary Moritz, and several nieces and nephews, including his caregiver Annette Miller. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Dora Riley.

Wayne's family invites friends to share stories and condolences at TrimbleFuneralHomes.com.