Kenneth E. Sibley

Kenneth E. Sibley was born August 8, 1923 on a farm near Prophetstown, Illinois, the son of Guy R. and Mabel E. Sibley. He was a resident of Springfield, Rochester, and Quincy, where he passed away peacefully on March 25, 2015. He was preceded in death by his wife, Jean, in 2000.

Ken was a veteran of WWII and earned the Philippine Liberation Award. He was a teacher in Evanston and Springfield, a member of several local, state, and national education associations, Phi Delta Kappa, and was a past president of the Springfield Principals’ Association. He was also a member of the First Congregational Church, the Unitarian Universalist Church, the Vachel Lindsay Association, YMCA, Springfield Municipal Choir, Springfield Poets and Literary Forum, Ken’s Round Table, Lincoln Memorial Garden, and was a Life Member of the University of Illinois.

Ken attended Illinois State University, the University of Illinois, Northwestern, University of Chicago, and Southern Illinois University.

In later years, Ken enjoyed nature, music, reading, writing, walking, and traveling.

He is survived by one brother, Richard (Deanna) of Rockford, IL; one sister, Elaine Mannick of Redondo Beach, CA; two sons, Gary (Junko) of Sarasota, FL and Brian (Laura) of O’Fallon, MO; two daughters, Laurie (Huey) Wilson of Sarasota, FL and Ann (Larry) Niehaus of Springfield; nine grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; and many friends, as Ken never met a stranger.

The family would like to thank the Illinois Veteran’s Home and Blessing Hospital in Quincy for their patient, loving support and care over the last 15 months.

Fulfilling Ken’s request, his remains will be cremated by Butler Cremation Tribute Center and no services will be held.

Private services with the family will be held at Camp Butler National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Lincoln Memorial Garden, 2301 E. Lake Shore Dr., Springfield, IL 62712 or the Unitarian Universalist Church, 745 Woodside Rd., Springfield, IL 62711.