Judge C. Howard Wampler, 79, of Wyanet passed away Sept. 4, 2013, in Perry Memorial Hospital, Princeton.

He was born Dec. 13, 1933, in Bloomington to Calvin and Dorothy (Williams) Wampler. Howard married Diane Pierson on Dec. 30, 1966, in Joliet.

He moved with his family to Wyanet when he was in the second grade. Howard graduated from Wyanet High School in 1951 and went on to college at Illinois Wesleyan University, graduating in 1955.

He then received his law degree from the University of Illinois.

He served in the U.S. Army from 1959 to 1961. Following his service he practiced law in Bureau County becoming state’s attorney from 1964 to 1968 and acting as a public defender in 1970. In 1971, he became a magistrate and an associate circuit judge.

Then in 1974 he was appointed circuit judge until his retirement on Dec. 31, 1993.

His various memberships include chairman of Region 8 of the Illinois Law Enforcement Commission, Illinois Judges Association, representing the Wyanet Fire Protection District, a life member of the Elks Club, dual member of Masonic Lodge No. 722 A.F. and A.M. in Walnut and No. 249 in Sebring, Fla., and he was involved with the Shriners organization.
Howard was of the Christian faith and associated with First Lutheran Church in Princeton.

Survivors are his wife of nearly 47 years, Diane Wampler of Wyanet; three children, Calvin “Cal” (Tina) Wampler of Sebring, Fla., Chris (Joellen) Balensiefen and Cindy (Jerry) Strader, both of Wyanet; grandchildren, Calvin Wampler, Leah Krenlich, Sarah Krenlich, Janelle Balensiefen, Stephanie (Brad) Shwermin, Tina (Les) Karns, Nicole (Mike) Murphy and Josh Nickelsen; and great-grandchildren, Terry, Destiny, Sam, Jailyn, Levi, Mackenzie, Deprise, Zabrina, Season, Madalyn and Mikayla.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his great-grandson, Kode Johnson.

Memorials may be directed to First Lutheran Church or Wyanet Rescue Unit.