Kennith Whitlock

Kennith Eugene Whitlock Sr., 87, of Cape Girardeau passed away Saturday, Aug. 25, 2012, at the Missouri Veterans Home in Cape Girardeau.

He was born March 29, 1925, in Thompsonville, Ill., son of Jack and Delena Pemberton Whitlock. He and Virginia Ann Minner were married Sept. 20, 1946, in Raleigh, Ill.

Ken attended Eldorado High School in Illinois where he excelled in sports and later was inducted into the Eldorado High School Hall of Fame for his accomplishments in basketball.

Ken's high school studies were interrupted by World War II, as he enlisted and was inducted into the U.S. Army in 1943. While in the Army he served in Northern France, Ardennes, Rhineland and in Central Europe. After being honorably discharged from service in 1946, he returned to Eldorado and received his high school diploma.

Ken was very active in church and was ordained a deacon at First Baptist Church of Raleigh. When he and Virginia moved to Cape Girardeau in 1969, they transferred their membership to Lynwood Baptist Church and later to Bethany Baptist Church.

Ken worked as a sales representative and manager 27 years for Kraft Foods, retiring in March 1987.

During retirement, Ken enjoyed playing dominoes and playing golf. He also volunteered as a course marshal at Bent Creek Golf Course in Jackson, the Fish Pantry, and the Cape Breakfast Optimist Club having served as a past president.

Survivors include his loving wife of more than 65 years, Virginia; two sons, Kenny (Mary) Whitlock of Jackson and Larry (Barbara) Whitlock of Gordonville; a granddaughter, Anna Whitlock; and two step-grandsons Jacob (Sarah) Fiehler and Nicholas Fiehler.

Also surviving are two brothers, Kendal (Susan) Whitlock of Kimberling City, Mo., and Jack (Joy) Whitlock of Raleigh.

He was preceded in death by a brother, Clifton Whitlock; and a sister, Betty Rogers.

Friends may call from 4 to 7 p.m. today at McCombs Funeral Home in Cape Girardeau and after 9:30 a.m. Tuesday at Bethany Baptist Church.

Funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at the church. Interment will be in the Missouri State Veterans Cemetery in Bloomfield, Mo., with full military honors.

Memorials may take the form of contributions to the Missouri Veterans Home in Cape Girardeau or the Alzheimer's Association.

Online condolence messages may be sent to the family by visiting www.mccombsfuneralhome.com.