Wallis, Kenneth, E., 82, of Seminole, FL passed away on April 3, 2013 at Bay Pines VA Health Care System. He was preceded in death by his parents: Charles Gilbert and Blondal (Heath) Wallis; brothers: William, Robert, Gilbert, Charles; and a sister, Shirley Walker.
Born in Centralia, IL, he moved here from Carbondale, IL in 1968. He retired as owner of Wallis Wheelchair Repair in Pinellas Park after 16 years. He was a Navy veteran of the Korean War and a member of American Legion Post #252, and B.A.M.; a lifetime member of the Paralyzed Veterans of America; and an associate member of So. Pinellas County Retired Educators Assoc. He was an avid fisherman and enjoyed boxing, woodworking, and computers. He was known for his sense of humor and his can do attitude.
Survivors include his wife of 52 years, Jan; two daughters, Jennene (Chuck) Koglin of Fountain Hills, AZ and Tonia (Edward) Willars of Spring Branch, TX; brother, James of Lecanto, FL; six grandchildren: Chad (Nan) Gaines of Loves Park, IL, Jenny (Sam) Schubert of Loves Park, IL, Lisa Pirc of Leander, TX, Daniel Willars of San Diego, CA, Lara (Michael) Benavides of San Antonio, TX, and Lydia (Dale) Conover of San Antonio, TX; and eight great grandchildren. He also leaves his mother-in- law, Josephine Heeszel, Chester, IL; a brother-in-law, three sisters-ilaw and numerous nieces and nephews.
He loved and appreciated his family and was very beloved in return. Our world is a bit less colorful without his presence.
Graveside services with honors will be presented at 2:15 PM on Friday, June 28 at Bay Pines National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the FL Retired Educators Foundation, http://frea.org/.
Please sign the guestbook below.
Such a wonderful Man and a great neighbor. We will miss Ken so much!! We still have Sweet Jan!! Our love and prayers, Love, Bill & MaryAnne
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time. Gail
Ken served his country during the Korean War and continued to support it as a member of the American Legion. We hope that everyone will support our country as he did during his life.
My deepest sympathy to you and your family for your loss. May wonderful memories help sustain you in the years to come.
I am so sorry for your loss. Whenever I saw Ken he was pleasant, kind, caring and always nice to be around. I know you will miss him tremendously.
So sorry for your loss, Jan. May God’s spirit of love and the treasured memories you have of Ken sustain you and your family during this difficult time. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Earline
Jan – My heart goes out to you at this difficult time! My husband and I were married on March 9, 1962 and we just celebrated our 51st. I can only imagine how hard this must be for you. May God wrap you in His arms of comfort now and in the days ahead. Sorry that I didn’t get to know Ken – sounds like a wonderful man. Praying for you – Marti
Dear Jan, Jennene, Tonia, Jim and all of the sweet grandchildren: My deepest condolences on the loss of a wonderful man. A man of strength, courage, integrity. I was blessed to have known Ken. You were truly blessed to have been a part of him…God Bless. … Randy–Better Lawns & Gardens
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May God keep you in His loving care.
Jackie
Dear Jan, I was so sorry to hear about Ken. My heart goes out to you and your family. He was such a sweet man, and your devotion to one another is a shining example for others. Best wishes to you as you go through this time of loss and ultimate renewal. Take care, and I am sending my strongest positive vibes your way. Hugs, Susan
My heartfelt condolences to you and your family. I have such warm memories of Ken and all those CEC ESE events we attended. May your memories comfort you.
With sympathy,
Jan
Jan,
I am Jennene’s former sister-in-law. I am so sorry for your loss. I have heard a lot about you and Ken over the years and feel like I knew you both. I will be thinking of you during this difficult time. My sincere condolences, Cheryl Gaines
Dear Jan, I am so sorry to hear of your loss of Ken. My prayers are with you. Nancy
Dear Jan,
I know you and Ken had a long and wonderful 52 years. I cannot image your lose. Please know that my prayers are with you and all of Ken’s family. Focus on the good times and the joy.
Love,
Oma
Ken will be remembered by so many as a caring, sweet, sensitive, smart, humorous man. Please accept my heartfelt condolences-after 52 years together I know how hard the days ahead may be. Keep your memories alive and laugh a lot….Ken’s watching!
Thinking of you….
Mona
Courage,Jan.
Though Ken is not here physically, he will never
Be strong, Jan.
Ken has gone to a better place but he will never your heart.