Kenneth Lyle Wilson

Ken is survived by his father, Donald Wilson, his wife, Fern Wilson, his beloved dog-boy Red, his children; Tim (Maria) Baldwin and Jeni (Tim) Sawyer, his grandchildren; Paridyse, Travis, Dayne, Goddess, Kaos, and Isla and all his siblings; Paula, Greg, Debbie, Donna, Janet, Linda, Nancy and Brenda. He was predeceased by his mother, Doris Wilson.

Ken was born in Peoria, IL on September 25, 1952 to Donald and Doris Wilson. He graduated from Princeville High School and shorty after graduation, joined the United States Navy where he served 6 years, including a tour in Vietnam. Upon leaving military service, Ken attended Orange Coast College before ultimately beginning his career as an Engineer at Hughes Aircraft Company, and finally retiring from Caterpillar, Inc.

On March 8,1980. Ken married the love of his life, Fern Travagline, and gained two children, Tim and Jeni. Ken and Fern were together for 46 years, married for 42.

Ken was a devoted and loving son, brother, husband, father and grandfather. He loved his family with all his heart. Ken was also very proud to be a U.S. Navy Veteran, and was active with his "Band of Brothers" who all served together on the U.S. Naval Destroyer, Henry B. Wilson. Ken was a proud 2nd Amendment supporter and spent considerable time at his local shooting range. He was also an outdoorsman who loved the mountains and the desert, loved hunting and mushroom hunting alike, and loved to be outside with his dog-boy Red.

Ken had a very loveable, social personality, and never knew a stranger. He lent an ear to many people who just needed someone to listen. He was always kind and gentle.

Ken was a problem-solver who took on difficult and unwanted tasks at work, at home and wherever he was needed. He was a hands-on do-it-yourselfer and was always tackling home improvement projects. Ken was passionate about woodworking, and took pride in the handmade, hand-painted train sets he built for each of his grandchildren's first Christmases. Ken had a heart of gold, he was always there for anyone who needed him, and left a lasting impression on all who crossed his path.

Ken is dearly missed by his family, friends and all who knew him.