Dewaine Calvin Sly, age 84, of Stronghurst, Illinois, passed away Friday, May 29, 2026 at his home. He had courageously battled upper tract urothelial carcinoma since March 2026, undergoing many rounds of chemotherapy at the University of Iowa.

He was born April 26, 1942 in LaHarpe, Illinois, the son of James and Fern Eckhardt Sly. He was raised by his mother and stepfather, Fern and Jolly Wallace. On February 24, 1968, he married Judy E. Lant in Lomax, Illinois.

Dewaine was a U.S. Army Veteran of the Vietnam War, serving from 1967 to 1969.

Sargent E5 Sly was a decorated soldier, earning a National Defense Service Metal; Vietnam Cross of Gallantry w/ Palm Metal; Vietnam Service Metal with 3 Bronze Service Stars; Expert Rifle Award; Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal; and Army Commendation Metal.

After returning from the service, he was employed by J.I. Case Company in Burlington, IA for thirty years. He retired as a Quality Control Inspector in 1992. Additionally, he farmed and raised cattle and hogs for many years near Stronghurst. Later, he became the right-hand-man for Ivan Lant on his farming operation.

In younger years, Dewaine, along with Judy, their children, and several close friends traveled many summers to Silver Lake Michigan to camp and ride dune buggies. Then, once the kids were grown, he and Judy enjoyed wintering in Texas for thirty-two years. They made many life-long friends and the best memories on their travels. In his recent days, he loved watching his great-grandchildren participate in all their activities. He had served on the Board of Directors of the Casebine Credit Union in Burlington, IA, and was previously active in the Monmouth VFW. He was a proud member of the Stronghurst American Legion and had just participated in the Honor Guard on Memorial Day 2026.

Survivors include his wife Judy of 58 years, and children, Stacie (Brad) Arnold of Media, IL; Scott (Jennifer) Sly of State Center, IA; Jamie (Shane) Fisher of Danville, IA; and Tracy Kelly of Joshua, TX. Seven grandchildren, Jonathan (Katie) Arnold, Samantha (Sean) Lee, Shelby (Deagan) Haack, Madison Fisher, Colton Fisher, Hunter Sly, and Amanda (Chris) Ralston. And ten great-grandchildren, McKenna, Joel, Savannah, and Jake Arnold; Lainie and Ella Lee; Charlotte and Cameron Haack; and Cole and Cason Ralston. Also surviving is one half-brother, Mike Wallace. He was preceded in death by his father, his mother and stepfather, one son, Tony Kelly, and two brothers, Dennis and Larry Sly.

Cremation rites are being accorded. A memorial service will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, June 3, 2026 at Banks & Beals Funeral Home in Stronghurst, followed by Military Honors at the funeral home. No visitation is planned. A memorial fund has been established for the Stronghurst American Legion. Banks & Beals Funeral Home of Stronghurst is assisting the family. Please visit Dewaine’s obituary at banksandbeals.com to leave a condolence.