Kenneth Calabria

Kenneth Reno Calabria, age 72 years, a resident of rural Grantsburg, IL. passed away Friday morning, May 26, 2006, at 6:10 AM at his home. He was born January 19, 1934 in Kankakee, IL. He was the son of Reno Calabria and Fern (Splear) Calabria. On May 21, 1955, Kenneth was united in marriage to his high school sweetheart, Phyllis (Pierson), at Kankakee, IL. She preceded him in death on June 29, 1993. Kenneth was later united in marriage to Virginia (Lynn) on July 23, 1994 at his farm near Grantsburg, IL. She survives. Other survivors include: 4 Daughters: Barbara & Bill Ashley of Metropolis, IL, Denise Dunn of Union City, TN, Laura Kilgore of Steeleville, IL, and Jolene & Dave Parks of Grantsburg, IL; 2 Step Daughters: Lisa & Ed Matthew of Viola, Arkansas and Patricia & Hayden Bonham of Bakersfield, MO A Stepson: Scott Holder of Marion, Arkansas 8 Grandsons: Jason, Chad, Jared, Kyle, Samual, Joseph, Joshua, & Kenneth Lucas; 2 Step Grandchildren: Jeremy & Christy; 6 Great Grandchildren: Alex, Christian, Shane, Seth, Carly & Eli; a Step Great Grandson: Isaiah; 2 Sisters: Alyce & Carl Sapp of Palm Bay, FL and Lucinda Lake of Lebanon, OH; a Brother - Anthony & Cheryl Calabria of Surprise, AZ Several Nieces & Nephews Last, but certainly not least, his beloved pet, ƒ?oGretchenƒ?? Kenneth was a 1953 graduate of Bradley-Bourbonnais High School. He served from 1956-1958 in the U.S. Army, 82nd Airborne. Kenneth was employed for approx. 17 years by Armour Pharmaceutical Co. in Kankakee, IL. He later worked as a salesman for Honnegar Feed Co and serviced a gas truck route for Sunoco Oil Co. Following his move to Southern Illinois, Kenneth, along with his first wife Phyllis, operated a grocery store in Brownfield, IL for 7 years. Additionally, Kenneth was the livestock manager for the Dongola, Harrisburg, and Golconda, IL. I.P.L.A. facilities for approx. 20 years. Following his retirement, Kenneth worked seasonally for 12 years at the Paducah office of H&R Block. He and his wife Virginia also served for 3 years as managers of a campground in Pontiac, MO. Kenneth was of the Baptist faith. He was an avid outdoorsman, enjoying turkey and deer hunting. Kenneth also loved watching his children and grandchildren participate in sports events. Funeral services will be held Wednesday afternoon, May 31, 2006, at 2 PM at Bailey Funeral Home in Vienna. Brother Jeff Wiggs and Brother Bob Murley will officiate. Interment will be in the Reevesville Cemetery. Military graveside rites will be accorded by the Beggs-Gurley VFW Post 5222. Friends may call from 5 PM ƒ?" 9 PM Tuesday, May 30, 2006, at Bailey Funeral Home in Vienna. Memorials may be made to the Hospice of Southern Illinois, 1110 N. Johnson, Marion, IL 62959 or to the Reevesville Cemetery, c/o Bruce Cummins, 9 Chick St., Metropolis, IL 62960. To leave an online message of condolence, please visit www.baileyfh.com

Kenneth Calabria

January 19, 1934 - May 26, 2006