Kenneth Ray Kirkman

He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Terri of Tremont; two daughters, Jennifer Metts of Tremont, and Jacquelyn (Wesley) Heuermann of Peoria Heights; stepson, Jason Colburn of Peoria; 10 grandchildren; 4 nieces and 1 nephew; two sisters, Ardith (Dave) Corsaw of Smithfield, and Carol (Rod) Orr of Maryville.

He was born September 22, 1954, in Decatur to Everett and Norma Kirkman of Niantic. He married Terri Cline on January 28, 1978, in Eureka.

He attended Niantic schools, graduating in 1972 and enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 1973 and later enlisted in the Air National Guard, 182nd Tactical Air Support in Peoria. He worked as a loadmaster for C-130 airplanes.

He had various types of employment over the years as welder, truck driver, and worked at Caterpillar for 30 years. He was a member of Victorious Life Bible Church in East Peoria. He enjoyed volunteering in support of the Worldwide Victorious Life Bible Teaching Ministry of his Bible teacher Mrs. Betty Jean Nutter. He was faithful to Christ, always available to help with the Lord’s work and was diligent as the head of the maintenance crew to care for the church property and equipment until he faced serious health issues.

Services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, July 2, 2026, at Preston-Hanley Funeral Home in Pekin. Pastor James Schoonover will officiate and burial will be at Victorious Life Cemetery with full military honors. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service.

Memorial contributions may be sent to Worldwide Victorious Life Bible Teaching Ministry, P.O. Box 423, Morton, Illinois, 61550 or www.wvlbtm.org

Online condolences may be shared with Ken's family at www.Preston-Hanley.com