Wesley A Foiles

WESLEY A. FOILES

JERSEYVILLE – Wesley A. Foiles, 73, died at 9:50 a.m., Monday, July 21, 2025, at Jerseyville Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.

He was born on November 30, 1951, in Highland, Illinois, to Fremont and Mildred (Bingham) Clayton. At the age of ten, he was adopted by Russell M. and Margaret L. (Prill) Foiles, who brought him to Jerseyville and raised him as their own. It was there that Wes found his footing and built the life that would follow, graduating from Jersey Community High School with the Class of 1970 and soon after being drafted into the United States Army, where he was stationed in Korea during the Vietnam War.

On August 2, 1975, he married Janice Heitzig at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Fieldon. Together, they built not only a family, but a partnership rooted in shared joy, resilience, and unwavering commitment. They became the proud parents of three children - Rudy, Jerrid, and Brandy - and created a home where memories were abundant, laughter was often, and love was always present. Life tested their strength in unimaginable ways, especially when their daughter Brandy was diagnosed with a brain tumor at age eight, leaving her blind and physically disabled. Her passing in June of 2023 left a permanent ache in their hearts, but it also stood as a testament to their bond, having faced and carried some of life’s heaviest burdens, together.

Wes spent many years working alongside his adoptive father on the family farm, pouring himself into the land until the flood of 1993 changed everything, wiping out most of his crops. Never one to sit still or give up, Wes shifted gears and began a new chapter in the trucking industry, founding Foiles Truck Service. He ran the business locally until 1997, when he and Jan relocated to the Lake of the Ozarks to continue operations there. They remained at the lake until 2005, eventually returning home to Jerseyville, where Wes continued hauling until his health forced him into retirement in 2008.

Later in life, Wes had the rare opportunity to reconnect with several of his biological siblings, hosting a family reunion at his and Jan’s home in 1993, a meaningful moment he carried with him always.

Those who knew Wes will tell you he was anything but ordinary. He was the kind of person whose presence filled a room, whose laugh came easy and often, and whose stories were as legendary as his sense of humor. Wes was the guy you wanted around the campfire, at the lake, or on the back porch with a cold drink in hand. He loved music, especially classic rock and country, and you could always count on him to sing along, even if he didn’t quite hit the right notes. He loved boating, camping, a good party, and a great joke, and he didn’t believe in doing anything halfway. Wes worked hard, played hard, and lived life without apology.

Six years ago, he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, a cruel and relentless condition that slowly took away many of the things he enjoyed. But even as his physical abilities declined, Wes never lost the fire that made him who he was. He held onto his sense of humor, his sharp wit, and his stubborn willpower, cracking jokes with the staff at the nursing home even in his final days and reminding everyone around him that he was still in there, still Wes.

He is survived by his wife and best friend of nearly 50 years, Jan Foiles of Jerseyville; two sons and a daughter-in-law, Rudy and Sarah Foiles, and Jerrid Foiles, all of Jerseyville; and three grandchildren, Charlotte, Elaine and Sophie Foiles, who brought him immeasurable joy and pride. He is also survived by many brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews on Jan’s side of the family, who shared in countless memories with Wes over the years.

In addition to his biological and adoptive parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved daughter, Brandy Beth Foiles.

Visitation will be held from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., Monday, July 28, 2025  at Crawford Funeral Home in Jerseyville. 

A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11:30 a.m. at Holy Ghost Catholic Church in Jerseyville, with Father Martin Smith officiating. 

He will be laid to rest at St. Francis Cemetery in Jerseyville, with full military honors conducted by the Jerseyville American Legion Post #492.

In honor of Wes’s service and dedication, memorials may be given to the Jerseyville American Legion Post #492 Color Guard.

Memories may be shared with the family by visiting www.crawfordfunerals.com.

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