Kenneth L. McEwen, 82, of Aledo, died Saturday, Jan. 23, 2010 at Aledo Rehab and Healthcare Center. Services were Tuesday at 7 p.m. at Speer Funeral Home, with visitation prior to services from 4 to 7 p.m. Private family burial will be in Aledo Cemetery. Memorials may be left to the United Methodist Church’s Music Fund or to Kenneth McEwen Memorial Fund.
Kenny was born on July 10, 1927 in Jump River, Wis. to Fred & Elizabeth (Gilmore) McEwen. He was a 1946 graduate of Aledo High School. Kenny married Violet Toops on Oct. 24, 1946 in Reynolds. They met while roller-skating, something they both loved to do. Kenny last skated with his grandchildren in the 1990s. Vi preceded him in death on April 1, 1998.
Kenny was an automobile mechanic for more than 40 years. He spent many years with Anderson Motor Co. in Aledo and retired from Essig Motors in 1990. He also had a small engine repair service at his home for more than 35 years. After retirement Kenny & Vi enjoyed traveling, camping and attending Blue Grass Music Fests. In earlier years he enjoyed snowmobiling and go-karts. He was president of the Aledo Karting Club in 1959. Kenny enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren and was always proud of their accomplishments. He was an avid St. Louis Cardinal Fan.
Those left to cherish Kenny’s memory include his children and their spouses: Mike (Sandy) McEwen of Aledo; Dan (Julie) McEwen of Oneida; Kathy (Rick) Newswander of Aledo and Jeff (Ann) McEwen of Aledo; nine grandchildren: Ryan Newswander of Aledo; Hayley Tiffan of Atwood; Barbara Dickson of Cambridge; Kaleb, Jacob, Kyle and Matthew McEwen, all of Aledo, and Josh (Jessica) McEwen of Oneida; four great-grandchildren: Taylor, Brooklyn, Jacob and Brenden. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Violet and two sisters, Eileen and Della.
The family would like to thank Aledo Rehab & Healthcare Bridges Unit and Dr. Dennis Palmer and staff for their support and care given to Kenny these last three years.
Condolences may be left at www.speerfuneralhome.com.