Kenneth O. Wilson, 81, of Belleville, Ill., born March 5, 1926, in Olney, Ill., died Wednesday, July 25, 2007, at St. Elizabeth Hospital in Belleville, Ill.

Mr. Wilson was a retired Master Sergeant for the United States Air Force serving during World War II. He also served in the Coast Guard, Navy and Army. After retiring from the Air Force he worked in civil service at Scott Air Force Base, retiring as Deputy Director of DPA.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Thelma K., nee Turcott, Wilson; father, Donald A. Wilson; and mother, Winona, nee Farris, Wilson Schonert.

He is survived by his daughter, Karen (Allen) Buchheit of Belleville, Ill.; son, Donald J. (Mary) Wilson of Webster Groves, Mo.; brother, Gene (June) Wilson of Belleville, Ill.; grandsons, James and Chris Buchheit, Andrew, David and Dan Wilson; and a sister-in-law, Doris Randall. Memorials may be made to American Diabetes Association.

Funeral services at Kurrus Funeral Home Chapel in Belleville, Ill., with Monsignor Bernard Voss officiating. Burial at Mount Carmel Cemetery in Belleville, Ill.

Belleville News-Democrat, The (IL) - Friday, July 27, 2007