Kenneth Moore

MOUNDS, Ill. -- Kenneth R. "Kenny" Moore, 61, of Mounds, formerly of Cairo, Ill., died Monday, May 10, 2010, at his home.

He was born Sept. 27, 1948. He married Jackie Gunn and on April 25 they celebrated their 40th anniversary.

Moore was a member of Mighty Rivers Regional Worship Center (formerly Cairo Baptist Church).

He served his country honorably in the U.S. Army as an M.P., serving in Korea in 1967 and 1968.

He worked his entire adult life in law enforcement serving as an Illinois DNR conservation officer 29 years. He was the department's Conservation Agent of the Year and Wildlife Officer of the Year, both in 1997.

Moore was a Cairo police patrolman in 1968 and 1969, served as sheriff of Pulaski County in 2000 and 2001, and was Cairo chief of police in 2005.

He was a Meridian Community Unit School District 101 board member from 1983 to 1987. He was a member of Mounds VFW Post 8891 and Cairo Elks Lodge.

Survivors include his wife, Jackie of Mounds; a son, Robbie (April) Moore of Mounds; three grandchildren, Brock, Ryan and Reagan of Mounds; six half brothers; two half sisters; special sisters-in-law, Donna Washam and Melissa Gardner; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his grandmother, Marie Benson, who raised him; his mother, Gloria Sides; and in-laws, Jack and Claudis Gunn.

Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, and 9 a.m. to service time Thursday at Mighty Rivers Worship Center. An honor detail will be provided by Illinois Conservation Police.

The funeral will be at 11 a.m. Thursday at the worship center, with Larry Potts and the Rev. Buddy Walls officiating. Interment will be in Green Lawn Memorial Gardens in Villa Ridge, Ill., with Illinois Conservation Police Honor Detail folding the flag and providing a 21-gun salute. Taps will be played by his grandson, Brock Moore.

Crain Funeral Home in Ullin, Ill., is in charge of arrangements.

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