Kenneth J. Stockton of Tamaroa
Kenneth J. Stockton, 95, of Tamaroa, passed away at 4:25 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 29, 2020 at the Belleville Memorial Hospital in Belleville, Illinois.
He was born Feb. 3, 1925, in Pinckneyville, Illinois, to the late Fred and Berdie M. (Marlow) Stockton.
He enlisted and served in the United States Navy from 1943 until 1946. Kenneth was a former coal miner and worked at Consol Coal Company as a haulage truck driver. He retired in 1987. He was an avid historian and was sought out for his knowledge of history of the local area.
As a member of the Perry County Historical Society, he was instrumental in the restoration of Curlee Cemetery in Tamaroa, Illinois. Kenneth was gifted in the art of divining and was recognized for using this skill to locate lost graves. He loved fishing, the outdoors, and always looked forward to being with family at the annual Stockton Reunion. He was a member of the Church of Christ in Du Quoin. Kenneth was also a member of the American Legion and UMWA.
He married Nina Wilks on Nov. 25, 1945 at the Tamaroa Christian Church and she preceded him in death on March 17, 2010.
Kenneth is survived by four sisters, Helen Feltmeyer of Greenville, Illinois, Louise McKinstry of Pinckneyville, Mabel Baudison of Pinckneyville, and Vicky (Jack) Jones of Newburgh, Indiana; one sister-in-law, Ann Stockton of St. Charles, Missouri; one brother-in-law, Bob Nevill of Decatur, Illinois; and a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews and cousins.
He is also survived by special nephew and niece-in-law, Danny and Janet Kirk, and many special friends who have been a blessing to him.
In addition to his parents, Kenneth was preceded in death by his wife of 64 years Nina (Wilks) Stockton; a sister, Marjorie Nevill; a brother, Robert; brothers-in-law Orville Feltmeyer, Leonard McKinstry and Bob Baudison; and brother and sister-in-law Bill and Pat Wilks.
The family would like to thank the staff at Manor at Mason Woods for their care and compassion while Kenneth was a resident.
Graveside services will begin at 10 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2020 at the Tamaroa Cemetery at Tamaroa, with Pastor George Marshall officiating.
Military graveside rites will be conducted by the Du Quoin V.F.W. and American Legion and the United States Navy.
Phase 4 of the Restore Illinois program allows up to 50 attendees at graveside, all using social distancing guidelines and wearing masks.
Memorial contributions are suggested to Manor at Mason Woods, 223 Illinois St., Pinckneyville, IL 62274, the Perry County Historical Society, 108 W. Jackson St., Pinckneyville, IL 62274 or to the donor's choice. They will be accepted at the funeral home.
Searby Funeral Home in Tamaroa is in charge of arrangements.
For additional information or to sign the memorial guest register, visit www.searbyfuneralhomes.com.