Wayne Allen Burnham, age 73, of Grand Chain, went home to be with Jesus after passing away peacefully at home on August 16, 2014 after a battle with cancer.Graveside services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 19, 2014 in the Hillerman Baptist Church Cemetery in Hillerman, IL, will Bro. Jim Hambleton officiating.Wayne was born on April 21, 1941 in Massac County, Illinois to Olis and Beulah (Herman) Burnham. After having spent time in Kankakee, IL and Iowa, he returned to his roots of Southern Illinois where he lived the majority of his life. He worked several years at American Laundry in Metropolis and then for Smith Brothers' Farms. His favorite past-time was fishing. Since his retirement, much of his time was spent fishing at various local watering holes, with his favorite spot being Mermet Lake. Wayne was a lifelong member and also a deacon of Samoth Pentecostal Church. He was never ashamed of his faith and always had a song on his heart.Wayne is survived by his wife, Linda Burnham of Grand Chain as well as five sons, Richard (Sandra) Burnham of Blue Springs, MO, Randall (PJ) Burnham of North Berwick, ME, Reginald Burnham of Samoth, John (Sharon Smith) Broder of Metropolis and Charles (Kim) Burnham of Carrier Mills, IL; one daughter, Camilia (Daniel) McCoy of La Center, KY; three step-daughters, Kay (Tom Martin) Henson of Metropolis, IL, Brenda (Steven) Miller of Joppa and Cheryl (Justin) Myrick of Vienna; 23 grandchildren and step-grandchildren, and 13 great-grandchildren and step-great grandchildren. He is also survived by four brothers, Norman (Marilyn) Burnham of McKenzie, TN, Larry (Rose) Burnham, Dennis (Imogene) Burnham and Kenneth (Tammy) Burnham all of Metropolis; four sisters, Linda Gilbert of Kankakee, IL, Karen (James) Smith of Brookport, Cheryl Burnham of Metropolis and Rita (James) Barger of Mary Esther, FL; as well as a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.He was preceded in death by his parents, Olis & Beulah Burnham; a sister, Emily Johnston; an infant brother, Gale Burnham; a former daughter-in-law, Tina Burnham; and former wives, Nola Jacobsen and Pamela Burnham. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, August 19, 2014 from 11:00 a.m until 1:30 p.m. at Aikins-Farmer Funeral Home in Metropolis, IL. Online condolences may be left at www.aikinsfarmer-millerfh.com.