John Wexell, age 74, of LaFollette, Tn., passed away on Thursday February 18, 2021. John passed away at Oak Ridge Methodist Medical Center after a brief illness. He was born on October 11, 1946 the son of Warren Wexell and Dorothy (Anderson) of Cambridge, IL. During his youth he lived on several different farms in Henry County, IL. He started school at the age of 5 going to Cambridge grade school for 1st through 3rd grade. His next 3 years were spent in grade school in Bishop Hill, IL. Today, the entire village of Bishop Hill is a state historic site and the school building he went to is a museum. Of course, John had nothing to do with any of this. John’s junior high and high school years were spent back in Cambridge, IL., were John graduated in 1964. On June 14, 1964, John started to work for the State of Illinois Department of Transportation. His first 3 months with the state was spent attending a crash course at the University of Illinois in Civil Engineering, where he received a diploma as a Civil Engineering Technician. After spending a year and a half with the state, Uncle Sam says, “Boy! I want you”, so John enlisted and spent 3 years in the army. John moved to Dixon, IL., where he returned to work for the State of Illinois Department of Transportation. Shortly after returning from the Army he met and married Nancy (Levan). They were married for almost 40 years. During much of this time he was active in the Dixon Evening Lions Club. On December 31, 2001, John retired from the Department of Transportation after working for them for 35 years. After his retirement he spent some time traveling. Then by a pure act of God, he met the love of his life, Anita. After a brief, long distance relationship, that John and his dog Bo would spend many hours on the road to be able to see Anita for the week-end, John and Bo moved from Dixon, IL., to Tennessee. On August 8, 2012, John and Anita were married. They lived in Oak Ridge, TN., for about 4 years. After Anita retired from Oak Ridge Associated Universities in 2015, they decided to move back to LaFollette, TN. John was preceded in death by mother and father.

A Memorial Service will be held at 7 PM Thursday February 25 at Hillcrest Baptist Church, Rev. Lynn Ray officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Campbell County Christian Learning Center: P.O. Box 256, LaFollette, Tn 37766

Online condolences may be given at www.cross-smithfuneralhome.com
Arrangements by Cross-Smith Funeral Home

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