Kenneth Wayne Harrelson

Veteran 1st Sergeant Kenneth Wayne Harrelson was called home on February 27, 2018. 

He was born June 17th, 1937 in Hamilton County, Illinois to Enos Allen and Lou Cindy (Clark) Harrelson.  Ken proudly and honorably served his country as a Marine and Army Combat Engineer and Drill Sergeant for 21 years. His tours of duty included the Korean Conflict and two tours in Vietnam.  His bravery earned him the Bronze Star.  Ken was an expert marksman and tactician who loved to teach others these skills.  His greatest joys were sharing stories, especially of patriotism, volunteering with Boy Scouts, camping, riding motorcycles and ATV’s.  Ken passionately served the Lord and was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.  He was also a member of American Legion Post 106 in McLeansboro, IL and VFW Post 4549 in Robinson, IL.

A hero to many but most of all to his family: beloved wife, Tori; son, Allen (Dawn) Harrelson; daughters, Bea Zoiss and Tina (Jason) Brown; four grandsons (Alec, Quinn, Joseph, Max); two granddaughters (Hayley, Amanda); great granddaughter (Cecelia); sister-in-law (Bertha) and many nieces and nephews. 

He was preceded in death by his parents (Enos, Lou Cindy); five brothers (Wilson, Jr, Ernie, Nolan, Robert); three sisters (Lucille, Alice, Beulah).

Funeral services will be held Saturday, March 3rd, at 1:00 p.m. at the Gholson Funeral Home in McLeansboro with David R. Johnson officiating.  Visitation will be held Friday, March 2nd from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Gholson Funeral Home in McLeansboro.  He will be laid to rest at Antioch Cemetery near Macedonia with Graveside Military Rites performed by American Legion Post 106.  Memorial donations may be made to American Legion Post 106 and will be accepted at the Gholson Funeral Home in McLeansboro.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Kenneth Wayne Harrelson, please visit our floral store.