Kenneth Walter Greenwell Jr.'s Obituary
Kenneth Walter Greenwell Jr, 79, of Decatur, IL was promoted to glory on December 2, 2024, at Fair Havens Senior Living. He was born August 23, 1945, in Kansas City, MO to Josephine Verdusco and Kenneth Walter Greenwell Sr.
Raised during early childhood by immigrant grandparents, he moved to Illinois to work for his grandfather at Decatur Motel. He served in the army then worked at Bunn Coffee in Springfield, IL, followed by Borg Warner before working at K’s Merchandise as director of MIS. He volunteered at Youth Advocate and Reach Prison Ministries; was a foster parent and lead Bible studies at Lincoln Manor nursing home with his wife Rosemary. He was a member of Maranatha Church of Decatur and Temple Petah Tikvah in Springfield, IL. He spent time studying and teaching Hebrew at the temple and later continued his personal studies while a resident of the nursing home.
Ken’s greatest accomplishment was found in his family. Father of 12 children, he found great joy in watching his kids play sports or perform at band and choir concerts. He spent many hours singing to soothe a fussy baby late into the night and was always found watching a TV show while tackling a sink of dirty dishes.
He is survived by his wife, Rosemary (Portwood) Greenwell; children Cristina Greenwell, Steven Greenwell, Josiah (Jill) Greenwell, Zephaniah (Chelsea) Greenwell, Rachel (Joey) Morrow, Hannah (Josh) Osborne, Jeremiah (Rachel) Greenwell, Rebekah (Ian) Sheffer, Leah (Matt) Unverferth, Caleb Greenwell, Miriam Greenwell, Eve (Alex) Bronitsky; 41 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren; brothers Michael (Marsha) Greenwell, Kenneth Daniel (Carolyn) Greenwell.
He was proceeded in death by his daughter-in-law Kim Greenwell; grandson Ezra Morrow and 8 others; his parents; siblings Diane Thomas and Larry Greenwell; as well as his best friend Kay Eldridge.
Memorial services will be at Maranatha Church on Wednesday, December 11th with visitation at 10AM with a funeral following.
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