Kenneth D. Weller

Kenneth Dale Weller, 90, passed from this life to life eternal on June 16, 2026. He was born in Frederick, Oklahoma on March 24, 1936, the son of Harold Dean and Leona Mae (Goldman) Weller.

Shortly after his birth the family moved to Bismarck, IL where they resided for the remaining years. Kenneth graduated from Bismarck Township High School in 1954 and after high school graduation, he was employed by Danville Lincoln-Mercury as a parts man and remained so until Uncle Same came calling at the age of 19.

Entering the military in May of 1956, after basic training he was transferred to Ft. Bliss, TX to train on Nike Ajax guided missiles. He learned to assemble, fuel, and place the three warheads in the missiles, as well as receiving the title of senior launcher crewman. During the time he was on leave from the Army to attend brother, Bill’s wedding, he met the “love of his life”, Janet Ruth Carney, and they were later married on January 22, 1960.

Upon finishing the military, he went to work for Howard-Martin Co. in May of 1959 and was employed there for 5 ½ years. During this time Janet and Kenneth had two children, Cindy Jo and Jeff Alan. He left Howard-Martin Co. and went to work for Meadow Gold Dairy for a short while. In April 1966, he started as a parts-counter man for Leverenz Automotive Service where he remained for 36 dedicated years as store manager.

After his retirement, Kenneth went back to work at Leverenz Automotive Service for 4 more years, working half days. After leaving that position, he then went to work for the Village of Fithian doing all the mowing and worked there for 15 years. At the age of 83 he decided to give it up and fully retire.

A proud achievement for Kenneth is that he was a member of the “First Families of Oklahoma”. This can only come because his father, Harold, and his family were homesteaders in the “Indian Territory” of Oklahoma before it was a state. They homesteaded and lived in a sod house in the far reaches of the Southwest Oklahoma Territory. In his possession is a plaque and a gold pin given to Kenneth by the state of Oklahoma Genealogy Society stating the fact.

Kenneth loved airplanes and built more than 300 models, enough to fill his garage. He and his brothers and sisters attended many WWII reunions of brother, Jack, traveling through many states to do so. He also loved singing country and gospel music and was a long-time devoted member of Southside Church of Christ in Danville, IL.

Kenneth was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Jack, Harold Jr., Billy Jo, and Richard Weller; sisters, Sheila and Karen; and granddaughter, Heather Renee.

He is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Janet; daughter, Cindy (Tim); son, Jeff (Cheri); 4 grandchildren, Jordan (Kelly), Jenna, and Josh; 3 great grandchildren, Brayden, Karsyn, and Jack Patrick.

A graveside service with military honors will be held on Friday, June 26, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Danville National Cemetery, 1900 E. Main St. Danville, IL.

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