Kenneth “Ken” R. Wilson, 92, of Belleville, IL, born Monday, November 28, 1927 in Champaign, IL, passed away Saturday, November 7, 2020 at Colonnade Senior Living in O’Fallon, IL.
After serving for two years in the Army Air Corp during WWII, Ken received his BA from Eastern Illinois University in 1951 (Masters from Webster College in 1977), Ken embarked, in that same year, upon an esteemed and decorated career as a veteran employee of the Directorate of Manpower and Organization, Deputy Chief of Staff, Plans and Programs, Headquarters Military Airlift Command, Scott Air Force Base, St. Clair County, IL. The recipient of numerous outstanding performance ratings, Ken was honored by the USAF with the prestigious Outstanding Civilian of the Year Award for 1975.
Ken’s keen pursuit of excellence at work was matched by his stalwart devotion to lending an animated and sustained hand to the betterment of his community. For years, Ken was an active member of First Presbyterian Church, Belleville, IL, serving in multiple positions, often in a leadership capacity. Whether as an elder, chairman of the stewardship committee, member of the church building commission, adult advisor for the high school youth group, member of the Men’s Bible study, volunteer for Meals on Wheels, volunteer at the Shelter Shop, member of the committee spearheading the formation of the Christian Counseling Center. Ken left an indelible mark on multiple generations of First Presbyterian churchgoers. Beyond his activism at his church, Ken served as leader of the Explorer Post and Boy Scouts Troop 23, and served for years as Mail Manager for the Belleville, IL juried fine art show, Art on the Square.
Ken was preceded in death by his:
- First wife: Betty Jean Wilson (Wolter), 1977
- Parents: Ben B. and Bessis Wilson (Mellor)
- Brothers
- Wallace Wilson
- Wendell Wilson
- Sister: Barbara Bazzell
Surviving are his:
- Wife of 40 years: Emily J. nee Marsh, Wilson of Belleville, IL
- Children
- Kim (Cynthia) Wilson of Fenton, MO
- Kerry (Mark Malaer) Wilson of Orangeburg, SC
- Kathleen (Dr. Alex) d’Erizans of Mt. Kisco, NY
- Kasey (Sarah) Wilson of Ballwin, MO
- Grandchildren
- Ansel Kenneth d’Erizans
- Freya Grace d’Erizans
- Quinn Marie Wilson
The family wishes to thank the staff at the Heritage section of the Colonnade Senior Living for Ken’s excellent care.
Memorials: Memorials may be made to the First United Presbyterian Church, 1303 Royal Heights Road, Belleville, IL 62223; phone 618-233-0295.
Funeral: Graveside Service was held at Valhalla Gardens of Memory, with Pastor Rob Dyer of First United Presbyterian Church officiating.
2 Comments To "Kenneth “Ken” R. Wilson"
#1 Comment By Allen Wiggins NARFE Chap 1019 On November 17, 2020 @ 10:18 am
Sorry For Your Loss. Please accept this electronic message in lieu of a Sympathy Card. Local National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association (NARFE) volunteers provide help in reporting the death of any federal civilian retiree or a retiree’s spouse to proper authorities. They will explain the process as needed and if requested, can report the death to the Office of Personnel Management (OPM 888-767-6738) for you. They can also assist in filling out claim forms for survivor benefits and life insurance You may call either of our Service Officers, Jim Haley at 618 795-5174 or Dean Hemmer at 618 233-3819. If unable to reach either, you may call Gene Wiggins at 618 566-7980.
#2 Comment By Terry Lynn Schuchman On December 19, 2020 @ 12:49 pm
Dear Emily, Kasey and Kim, so very sorry for your loss. It was my pleasure to have known Ken through my association with you. He was a great kind and very caring man who accomplished much with your love and help. In his last year’s he adores helping with Quinn, even with his pain. It was your love that sustained him and he relished your successes. Words can NEVER heal your loss. May Ken RIP. All love prayers and blessings.