KENNETH JOHN WILLHITE

Johnston City-Kenneth John Willhite 86, of Johnston City stepped from this light of God on Wednesday February 23, 2011 at Carbondale Hospital. He was welcomed into heaven by his parents, John and Lucille Willhite who preceded him in death.

During his time on earth he enhanced the lives of many people and was the epitome of a moral, honest, hardworking and caring man. His accomplishments included being a devoted husband to Joy Willhite his wife of 64 years who he married on April 13, 1946 in Johnston City and being an outstanding father to his sons Stephen and Mark Willhite, father-in-law to Julia Willhite and Linda Ellis, grandfather to Amanda Willhite and Rose Willhite Kramer and great grandfather to Joshua, Mary, Joseph, Gregory, Lucia, Gabriella, and Scottie.

Kenneth served honorably on the USS Enterprise where he earned a Purple Heart and the respect of his peers. In his lifetime he enjoyed hunting, golfing, fishing, traveling, with his wife, being a Scoutmaster, and a member of the Lions Club as well as a basketball referee. He had been a member of First United Methodist Church of Johnston City for more than 40 years and served as a Sunday School Teacher and a board member. He was a 50 year member of the Lake Creak #729 Masonic Lodge.

His blessings in life included many dear longtime friends who remember him always as a man of his word, lover of crossword puzzles, committed to his job as a mail carrier and then assistant postmaster.

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 P.M. on Sunday February 27 at his church, the First United Methodist Church of Johnston City with Rev. Ted Hartley officiating where we will gather to celebrate the life of this well-loved man with Masonic rites conducted by the Lake Creek Masonic Lodge #729. Visitation will be from 11:30 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. Sunday at the church.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to his memorial fund at the First United Methodist Church.

Murman & Wilson Funeral Home in Johnston City is in charge of arrangements.