Wayne Michael “Big W” Scannell, 85, of Granite City, Illinois, went to play in the angel’s band in Heaven at 2:10 a.m. on Tuesday, December 26, 2023, at his home with his family at his side. He was born January 26, 1938, in Glen Carbon, Illinois, the son of the late Leo and Alvina (Bertoldie) Scannell. He married the love of his life, Jeanette (Lubak) Scannell on August 16, 1958, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Madison and she survives. Wayne retired in 1995 from Craftmatic Beds as a sales manager, also working with Contour Chair and Krumery Home Furnishings with 30 years of service in sales.
He had also owned and operated his Big and Tall Store, Wayne’s Men’s Wear of Madison and Glen Carbon for several years. Previously working for Glik’s in Madison and Dow Chemical. Wayne was a professional and talented musician, guitar player and singer. Having his own band throughout the years, The Casual’s Band, recently including his late son and two grandsons for which made him very proud. He was a dedicated member and President of the Metro East Musician’s Union, AFM, Local 29-717. He began his life in music as a music teacher at the age of 17 at Johnson’s Music Store and continued through the years teaching at Fornaszewski Music Store, at his residence and Omega Music Store until the age of 83.
He was a faithful and dedicated member of St. Mary and St. Mark Catholic Church in Madison for many years and member of St. Margaret Mary and Holy Family men’s choir and music groups. Wayne was very involved in the community and was a Past President of the Rotary Club of Madison, Past President of the Madison Business Association, a chairman of the Madison, Illinois Diamond Jubilee, member of the Granite City Chamber of Commerce and the Granite City Moose Lodge and sponsored four girl’s soccer teams through the years.
He enjoyed fishing, riding his four-wheeler and enjoyed family times at the lake property, Uncle Walt’s Place in Farmington, Missouri. In addition to his beloved wife of 65 years, he is survived by four daughters and sons-in-law, Janet and Jim Kopsic of Granite City, Lisa and Brian Blackwell of Granite City, Juli and Al Nemeth of Glen Carbon and Susan and Carl Keef of Granite City; daughter-in-law Susan “Susie” Scannell of Granite City; six grandchildren and their spouses, Michael and Annie Scannell of Troy, Jamey and Tyler Landon of Florida, Patrick and Taylor Scannell of Maryville, Brandon and Jaylyn Blackwell of Bethalto, Tommy Blackwell and Lilly Skinner of Bethalto and Taylor Keef of Harrisburg; seven great grandchildren, Mikey, Leo, Jae, Carlee, Brody, Bryson and Kai; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Tom and Judy Lubak of Alton; many nieces; nephews; other extended family and many friends. In addition to his beloved parents, he will reunite in Heaven with his cherished son, Michael Scannell; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Roger and Margie Benway and his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Steve and Helen Lubak. In celebration of his life, visitation will be at
St. Mary and St. Mark Catholic Church, 1621 10th Street in Madison on Tuesday, January 2, 2024, from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Visitation will continue at the church on Wednesday, January 3, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. until time of a Funeral Mass at 11:00 a.m. with Father Steve Thompson as celebrant. Burial will follow at Calvary Catholic Cemetery in Edwardsville. Memorials may be made to St. Mary and St. Mark Catholic Church, Masses, Renee’s Rescue Sanctuary or to Heartland Hospice. Irwin Chapel of Granite City is in charge of arrangements. www.irwinchapel.com
