Kenneth ”Kenny” Wilson was born December 18, 1923 in Elbon, South Dakota. He was the second of four children born to his parents, Key and Patie (Sutton) Wilson. His birth was overseen by a midwife which was still a general practice of ranch families in that era. After twenty years, Key remembered to file Kenny’s birth at the courthouse.
He graduated from Kadoka High School, and in March of 1943 enlisted in the U.S. Army. After his training, he was stationed in Elizabethtown, Kentucky where he married Eleanor Holmes, also a Kadoka High School graduate.
Upon completion of his military service in February of 1946, he returned to Kadoka and went to work for his father at The People’s Market grocery store. Shortly thereafter, in 1948, he purchased that store with a simple contract drafted on the back of a Tourist Cafe napkin.
Over the years of his residency in Kadoka he was very civic-minded; participating in local politics and eventually becoming the Mayor of Kadoka. He also served as the Chief of the Kadoka Volunteer Fire Department for several years. Some of the notable fire events fought by Kenny and his volunteers were the “Burning of the Camp Joy Tower,” and the “Kadoka Grain Elevator” fire. His other interests included the American Legion, and the Masonic Lodge. Ken’s work was instrumental in the annual Kadoka Labor Day Buffalo Feed, Parade & Rodeo in the 1950’s. As a member of the American Legion and a father of ballplayers he could always be relied upon to drive a carload of Little League or Teeners baseball players to a couple of away games during the season.
In the mid 60’s Kenny sold the People’s Market and moved his family to Pierre, South Dakota for a brief period prior to moving to Cheyenne, Wyoming in 1966; where he and Eleanor purchased The Fleetwood Motel. In 1970 Ken sold the motel and yielded to his love for the grocery business by accepting a Civil Service position as the Commissary Manager for the F.E. Warren Air Force base there. He took early retirement from the Civil Service following a series of heart attacks on the job.
Once retired, Ken and Eleanor moved to a retirement community in Mesa, Arizona where they barely met the “over 55” restriction. They were active and participated in community events such as RV camping, golf and card parties.
In February of 2005 Ken suffered a stroke, which slowed his activity in the retirement community. Then in 2007, as a result of the “card shower” generated by the Kadoka Press’ announcement of their 65th Anniversary, Kenny and his bride moved again back to their hometown… Kadoka.
On Friday September 5th, 2008 Kenny passed away peacefully in his recliner.
Survivors include his wife Eleanor Wilson of Kadoka; two sons Wayne Wilson and his wife Patty of Gillette, Wyoming, and their sons Andy and Bobby and his wife Shannon, and Bob Wilson and his wife Malia of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; two step-grandchildren Justin and Shauna; three step-great-grandchildren; three sisters Clara Weller and her husband Bud of Kadoka, Charlotte Clark and her husband Lester of Aberdeen, and Lucy Freeman and her husband Glenn of Oglala, Nebraska; and a host of other relatives and friends.
Kenneth was preceded in death by his parents Key and Patience (Sutton) Wilson.
Visitation was held 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 11, at the Rush Funeral Chapel in Kadoka, and one hour preceding the services at the church on Friday.
Funeral services were held 2:00 p.m. on Friday, September 12, at the Presbyterian Church in Kadoka, with Pastor Gary McCubbin officiating.
Interment was in the Kadoka Cemetery.

FUNERAL SERVICES
Friday, September 12, 2008 – 2:00 p.m.
Presbyterian Church
Kadoka, South Dakota
CLERGY
Pastor Gary McCubbin
MUSIC
Jean Weller – Pianist
Congregational Hymns
“Just A Closer Walk With Thee” #380
“What A Friend We Have In Jesus” #435
“Gentle Shepherd” #458
USHERS
Russ Olney – Bud Olney
PALLBEARERS
Orville Josserand – Bud Weller
Floren Falzone – Roger Lone
Oliver Willert – Jim Kujawa
HONORARY PALLBEARERS
All Relatives and Friends in Attendance
INTERMENT WITH MILITARY HONORS
Kadoka Cemetery
Kadoka, South Dakota