Oldest man in Illinois dies at 112

MAYWOOD, Ill. (WLS) -- The oldest man in Illinois has died. Wash Wesley, of Maywood, was 112.

Wesley died Nov. 14 after a short illness, his niece, Millie Booker, said.

Wesley celebrated his 112th birthday in the city's East Garfield neighborhood in January.

"Try to do the best they can, do good. If they know what good is, do good, and let evil alone," he said.

Wesley, better known to family and friends as "Uncle Hicks," was the oldest licensed driver in the state, his family said.

Archive: Wash Wesley celebrates 111th birthday

FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS:

Sunday November 22, 2015 Second Baptist Church 436 S 13th Ave., Maywood, IL Pre-Pass: 4pm to 6pm Visitation: 6pm to 7pm Homegoing Service: 7pm to 8pm Monday November 23, 2015 Burial: 10am - Meet at Wallace Broadview Funeral Home to Oakridge-Glen Oak Cemetery, 4301 W. Roosevelt Road, Hillside, IL

Wesley was born January 21, 1903 in Ferriday, Louisiana, to John and Luella Wesley and was the youngest of six, Booker said. Wesley moved to Maywood in 1950, was married twice, lost both wives and had no children, Booker said.

Booker said her uncle worked for International Harvester building engines and later retired from the company in 1971. He also worked at Oak Park Arms for 13 years cleaning doctor's offices, Booker said.

Booker said Wesley was a deacon at Second Baptist Church.

"Anytime you call him and ask how he is doing, his very phrase would be 'I'm doing fine, thanks to the good Lord,'" Booker siad.