Kenneth Lewis Willey

Kenneth Lewis Willey
Kenneth Lewis Willey, 98, died January 11, 2009.

The child of Mary and Lewis Willey, born March 12, 1910, his mother died in 1918 and he was raised by his step-mother, Georgia. Mr. Willey was a graduate of Bath High School where he had been active in athletics, lettering in several sports and had driven a school bus to one room school houses in his community. He attended the University of Akron. Kenneth married Doris Kleinbeck in 1934 and they made their home in Bath, raising three children.

A 32nd Degree Mason, he was active with the Sertoma Club, had been a Scout Master and was a very active member of the Ghent Christian Church. Kenneth spent his entire career, from high school through retirement at 65, working at Yellow Creek Mills, Teledyne Monothane. He was a Civil Defense worker during World War II, raised and showed dogs and horses, and with some help, he was responsible for digging Crystal Lake in Bath Township. Above all, family was extra special to Ken. His family and friends always gathered at his house and he had the remarkable ability to have personal relationships with each of his grandchildren. The family he led continues the tradition of love for each other that he encouraged over his many years.

Preceded in death by his wife, Doris; parents, Lewis and Georgia; sister, Elizabeth and brother, Harold; he is survived by his brother, Fran Willey; children, Mary Lee Wuchter Gerald, Neal Willey Charlene and Melinda McDaniel Rodger; grandchildren, Karen, David, Kim, Keli, Jennifer, Michelle, Amy, Christopher, Gerry, Julie, Scott and Elizabeth; many great-grandchildren; two great-great-children.

A memorial service will be held 3 p.m. FRIDAY at the Billow FAIRLAWN Chapel, 85 N. Miller Rd., with Rev. David Loomis officiating. Private inurnment at West Richfield Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home from 1 to 3 p.m. Friday. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice of V.N.S., 3358 Ridgewood Rd., Akron 44333.