Kenneth Jr
Elsah |
Kenneth George Gilliland Jr., 69, died with dignity at 10:27 p.m., Friday, June 1, 2018 at his home in Elsah, surrounded by his family under the care of Vitas Hospice.
He was born on January 9, 1949 in Hillsboro, one of three children born to the late Kenneth George and Dorothy Arlene (Powell) Gilliland Sr.
He grew up in Grafton and later enlisted with the United States Navy, serving our country honorably and was a member of the Apollo Space Capsule Retrieving Team. Junior was proud of his military service and was a longtime member of the Grafton American Legion.
Junior loved the outdoors. His entire working career was spent working on the River in various capacities and in his spare time he enjoyed hunting and fishing, and living by the motto "if it has four legs or can fly, it dies"
He married the former Penny Crossman on April 28, 1998 at the Jersey County Courthouse and together they recently celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary.
Surviving are his wife, Penny Gilliland of Elsah; two daughters, Leah Gilliland of Grafton and Jennifer Gilliland of Las Vegas, NV; two step-daughters and their spouses, Jessie and John Russell of Collinsville and Cody and Drew Orban of Livingston; four grandchildren and three step-grandchildren; as well as a brother and sister in-law, Terrence Leo and Cynthia Gilliland of Norman, IN.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Paul Gilliland.
Graveside services will be conducted at 10 a.m., Tuesday, June 5 at the Scenic Hill Cemetery in Grafton. The Rev. Sam Shaw will officiate with the Grafton American Legion conducting full military honors.
Crawford Funeral Home in Jerseyville is in charge of arrangements.
Crawford Funeral Home
