Elmer Francis Weccele, Jr.,69, of Carmi, IL passed away on Saturday, May 9, 2026 at his home in Carmi. Elmer was born on May 19, 1956 in Chicago, IL to Elmer F. Weccele, Sr. & Frances (Murphy) Weccele. On October 5, 2012 he married Gina (Brinkley) Weccele, who survives.
Elmer worked as a drilling manager for Mitchell’s drilling in Carmi, IL. He loved his job, and was known for his strong work ethic. Even on his days off, he would stop by the office to have morning coffee with his co-workers. He worked up until his most recent hospital stay.
He loved NASCAR races, and he enoyed spending anniversaries at Talladega with his wife Gina. He was known for being a generous person. If someone needed help, he would have given his last dollar to help out a friend in need. He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He loved his children, and he was very proud of their accomplishments. He was never a “cat person” until Winston & Bobbi Sue came into his life and changed that.
Elmer is survived by his wife Gina Weccele of Carmi, IL; his son Shawn Weccele & wife Liv of Indian Land, SC; his daughter Lacey Johnson & significant other Zach Etcheson of Fairfield, IL; his son Brandon Brinkley & wife Crystal of Fairfield; his son Derek Downs & significant other Jeffrey Flier of Hillsboro, MO; his son Zack McClanahan & significant other Samantha Durbin of Fairfield; his son Jeremy McClanahan & significant other Morgan Chapman of Fairfield; and his daughter Ashley Nixon & husband Jacob of Fairfield; 12 grandchildren: Dante Weccele, Luca Weccele, Aubrey Johnson, Reagan Johnson, Sloan Etcheson, James Broden Brinkley, Spencer Lee Nixon, Elijah Nixon, Riley Nixon, Aleah McClanahan, Kinsley McClanahan, and Kasen Walden; his brother Joseph Weccele of Carmi; 2 sisters: Flo Weccele of Wayne City, IL and Pat Elwert & husband Warren of Justice, IL; his beloved pet cats: Winston Ferman Weccele and Bobbi Sue Weccele, and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents Elmer & Frances Weccele, his son Jason Weccele, his grandson Landen James McClanahan, 4 brothers: Charles “Art” Weccele, Robert Weccele, William “Bill” Weccele, and Harry Weccele, a sister Rita Weccele, and his mother-in-law Phyllis Brinkley.
Funeral services for Elmer Francis Weccele, Jr. will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, May 15, 2026 at Young Funeral Home in Wayne City, IL with Ron White officiating. Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 14, 2026 at Young Funeral Home. Interment will follow the funeral service at Maple Hill Cemetery in Fairfield, IL.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Elmer’s memory may be made to assist with final expenses. Memorials should be made to “Elmer F. Weccele, Jr. Trust” and will be accepted at Young Funeral Home in Wayne City.
Online condolences, memories, and words of encouragement may be shared at www.youngfuneralhomellc.com.
