Kenneth Glendale Stinson, Sr.

Kenneth Glendale Stinson, Sr., 89, of Wichita, Kansas, passed peacefully from this life, Monday, February 25, 2013. He has joined his beloved wife, Merle, daughter, Sherry Jo, and his brother, Bob, all who had preceded him in death. Ken was born July 19, 1923 in Kewanee, Illinois to Cecil G. Stinson and Nellie Pearle Wilson Stinson. His love of aviation led him into U.S. Naval Aviation during World War II. His ancestors served in the Civil War and World War I. He never lost his love of country and regard for military veterans. He was a member of the greatest generation. As a civilian pilot after the war, he flew all over the country. He recently received an award from the Federal Aviation Administration for lifetime achievement as a pilot. His working life was focused on the financial industry. Ken was a long time resident of Wichita, Kansas. He was a thirty-second degree KCCH Mason and past Master of Pyramid Lodge. He was an avid golfer, photographer and fisherman. He had an enduring love of traveling the American West, and enjoyed meeting people. He is remembered fondly by his son, Ken, and daughter-in-law, Donna; 3 grandchildren, Kenneth III (Lisa), Ginger (Jamie) and Bob (Carrie); 5 great-grandchildren, Nick, Ryan, Bob, James and Ty; his sister, Vergean, and brother, Cecil (Jane). Visitation with the family will be 6-7 p.m., Friday, March 1 at Downing Lahey Mortuary West. Graveside services will be held at 2 p.m., Saturday, March 9, at Pleasantview Cemetery in Kewanee, IL.