Frank & Bright Funeral Home

Kenny Willison

Oct 15th, 1930 - Nov 21st, 2023

      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