Wayne Lee Manson, 77, of Naples, FL, passed away on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, at High Point Senior Living Center in Taylorville, IL. Wayne was born on September 9, 1947, in Phoenix, AZ, to Wayne and Thelma Lee Manson. He married the love of his life, Karen Murphy, in June of 1977 in Raymond, IL, and they spent many happy and loving years together.
Wayne proudly served his country. He joined ROTC while he was in college and was placed on active duty in Bremerhaven, Germany. He served active duty for two years and earned the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Later he joined the Illinois Army Reserves. Wayne was activated for Desert Storm and then resigned his commission in 1992.
Wayne lived a very accomplished life. He graduated from the University of Nevada in Reno and completed his residency at SIU. Upon completing his education, Wayne cared for his community as a physician at Taylorville Memorial Hospital. He was an active member of the Trinity Lutheran Church, Illinois Medical Society, Christian County Medical Society, and was a fellow of the American College of Surgeons. Wayne enjoyed spending his free time hunting, reading, learning new languages, and traveling. Above all, he loved spending time with his family and is dearly missed.
Surviving is his wife: Karen Manson of Taylorville, IL; children: Jonathan Manson of Northbrook, IL; Katie (Evan) Cervi of Taylorville, IL; grandchildren: George Manson; Anna, Jack, June, and Nora Cervi; and cousins: Michael Zigich of Idaho and Joe Zigich of Nevada. He was preceded in death by his parents, Wayne and Thelma Lee Manson.
A visitation will be held on Monday, January 20, 2025, from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church in Taylorville. A funeral service will be held the following day, Tuesday, January 21, 2025, at 12:30 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church. Interment with graveside honors will follow at Camp Butler National Cemetery.
Memorials in Wayne’s honor may be made to Christian County YMCA, to Trinity Lutheran Church or to the Alzheimer’s Association.
Shafer-Perfetti & Assalley Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Please sign our online guestbook at assalleyfuneralhomes.com.


