« Return to Obituaries | Print
Funeral Ceremony: 3 p.m. on Saturday, November 25, 2023, at Frank & Bright Funeral Home in Flora
Interment: Floral Garden of Memories Cemetery
Visitation: 1-3 p.m. on Saturday at the funeral home
Kenneth Leland Willison, age 93, of Xenia, Illinois, passed away Tuesday, November 21, 2023, at Flora Gardens Care Center.
He was born October 15, 1930, in Mahomet, the son of Ira and Tillie Jane (Weigel) Willison Sr.
Kenny was a mechanic in the Air Force, stationed on Johnston Island during the Korean War. He had worked as a truck driver for Clark Wood Construction and had farmed on the side throughout his life. He was a member of the Clay County Farm Bureau, the Fairfield Odd Fellows Lodge, and was a lifetime member of the Flora VFW Post 3999. He supported the children in the community by helping to establish the Clay County DARE Program. Kenny enjoyed fishing, spending time at the coffee shop, telling stories, and playing cards. He treasured time spent with his family.
He is survived by 3 daughters: Barbara (Ronnie) McGrew of Xenia, Kathy Willison of Clay City, and Dena (Tony) Ferguson of Carterville; grandchildren: Josh Welty of Flora, Alissa (Jordan) Ellis of Murphysboro, Christopher Ferguson of Carterville, Zack Fenton of Carterville, Harley Ferguson of Carterville, Sherry (Brad) Slankard of Newton, Misty (Michael) Payne of Xenia, and Nikki (Joe) Green of Flora; 20 great-grandchildren; a sister-in-law: Carol Willison; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a son-in-law: Reggie Welty; siblings: Robert Willison, Wayne Willison, Treva Russell, Keith Willison, and Ira Willison Jr.; a great-grandson: Robert Trevor Lee Green; brother-in-law: Joe Russell; and 3 sisters-in-law: Betty Willison, Ruth Willison, and Margaret Willison.
A funeral ceremony will be held at 3 p.m. on Saturday, November 25, 2023, at Frank & Bright Funeral Home in Flora. Interment will follow in Floral Garden of Memories Cemetery with the presentation of military funeral honors. A visitation will be held from 1-3 p.m. on Saturday at the funeral home. Memorial donations are suggested to the Clay County DARE Program, and these will be accepted through the funeral home. To share a condolence or memory, visit: www.frankandbright.com
So sorry Kathy and family....
Barb, Kathy, Dena, and the rest of the family. I am so sorry for the loss of you father/grandfather. I think I was like 7 when they moved and was our neighbors. Good memories. Hugs and prayers for all of you.
Kenny was a great guy. I always enjoyed talking with him. So sorry for your loss.
he was always like a grandfather to me ! And to a lot of people from bk !!! We goin miss him alot !!Fly high kenny till we meet again
I am truly sorry for your family's loss. You all are in my thoughts and prayers.
Barb, Kathy, Dena and families, We are so sorry to hear this news. May God comfort you. Your dad was like another grandpa for our girls! We all loved showing him some of the beautiful parts of Northern Michigan! “Peewee” has sooo many good memories!☺️ Cherish yours as we do!
I am so saddened to know of Uncle Kenny's death. Many prayers and hugs through words to his kids, grandkids and extended family! Uncle Kenny has always had a very special place in my heart. I always looked forward to seeing him when we would travel to Flora as a kid because I knew between him and Uncle Joe, they'd let me play Rook! I knew I was becoming a good player when I was able to play with the adults and not just with Uncle Kenny, Uncle Joe and my dad! To this day, it's still my absolute favorite game! Lots of fun memories of him with my dad when he'd come to Michigan as well. They knew how to "work" with lots of breaks! :-) He was loved for sure, for many reasons! You'll all be in my prayers this weekend!
I’m so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you!
Sorry to hear of your loss prayers for the family
Sorry for your loss Barb!
Barb and family, so sorry for the loss of your dad. Prayers for all of you.
We are so very sorry for your loss hugs and condolences.
I am so sorry for your loss. I did not even know about this until yesterday. Barbara, Ronnie, Kathy...you and the whole family are in my prayers.
Condolences to the family of Kenny who was a lifetime friend of our family
We are so very sorry for your loss hugs and Condolences Barb And Kathy
So sorry for your loss prayers for Families, , He was a good man
Frank & Bright Funeral Home
and Cremation Services
500 North Main Street
Flora, Illinois 62839
Phone : (618) 662-2141
Fax: (618) 662-4600
Email: [email protected]