Kenny Mac Wilkison was born January 1, 1939 in Dighton, Lane County, Kansas. He was the youngest son of Thomas L. and Inez M. (Torson) Wilkison. His mother died when he was three years old, and his father died when Kenny was six years old.
He attended school in Dighton until sixth grade, when he came to Logan to live with his sister, Maxine Shaw, her husband Earl, and their family. Kenny was baptized in 1956 by Wilmer Severns at the First Christian Church in Logan, Kansas. He graduated from Logan High School with the class of 1957.
Kenny passed away in his home in Logan, Kansas December 16, 2023 at age 84.
In June of 1957 he went to Denver, Colorado to attend barber school.
After a short time working as a licensed barber, Kenny enlisted in the United States Army. He completed basic training at Fort Carson, Colorado.
Kenny and Donna Loy Reese were married June 8, 1958 at the First Christian Church in Logan, Kansas. For decades the couple enjoyed dancing and water skiing. On a trip to Missouri in his 60’s, Kenny showed off his water skiing skills on Table Rock Lake.
While Kenny was stationed at a Nike missile site, Kenny and Donna lived in Newtown, Pennsylvania for three years. Son Michael Robert Wilkison was born in Doylestown, Pennsylvania December 21, 1959. Upon Kenny’s honorable discharge from the army in March 1961, they moved to Phillipsburg, Kansas where Kenny was employed by Peak Transport for three months, hauling road oil in Nebraska.
In August 1961 Kenny was offered a position at the First National Bank in Logan. He started work at the bank August 14, 1961, and worked at the same location for 42 years. Kenny believed in giving people an opportunity, and many were grateful he gave them a chance when no one else would. Kenny was Assistant Vice President when he retired from the bank February 2, 2004. In retirement, Kenny and Donna farmed and raised cattle.
After returning to Logan in 1961, Kenny and Donna were blessed with two more children, Mitchell Ron, born May 5, 1962, and Marsha Loy, born September 16, 1966. Our entire family is proud graduates of LHS.
Kenny enjoyed watching sports, including the KU Jayhawks, the Kansas City Royals, and the Kansas City Chiefs. He especially loved watching his children and grandchildren participate in football, volleyball, basketball, baseball, and barrel racing over the years. He attended many rodeos including Phillipsburg, Burwell, the Denver Stock Show, and the National Finals Rodeo. Kenny fondly recalled getting a fifty cent piece for riding his white horse in the Phillipsburg Rodeo Parade.
Each summer Kenny looked forward to attending the Wilkison reunion at Cedar Bluff Lake. He treasured time with his siblings, nieces, nephews, and cousins. He especially enjoyed the opportunity to play Texas hold ‘em at these gatherings.
Kenny was a passionate hunter and was part of the NWTF for many years. He developed close friendships hunting coyote, pheasant, quail, and deer. He was happy to be part of a wild boar hunt in Oklahoma. He served as an educator for Hunter Safety courses. Kenny was proud to pass his love of hunting to his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.
Kenny was preceded in death by his parents; brother Bob Wilkison, sister-in-law Henrietta Wilkison; brother Tom Wilkison; sister Maxine Sutherlin and brothers-in-law Charles Sutherlin and Earl Shaw; brother-in-law Edward Heath; nephews Joe Wilkison and Tommy Wilkison; nieces Kay Peyton, Terese Sutherlin, and Kandy Sue Sutherlin.
Kenny is survived by wife, Donna; son Mike Wilkison and wife, Shelly, of Beloit, KS; son Mitch Wilkison of Logan, KS; daughter Marsha Wilkison of McCook, NE; sister Shirley Heath of Lady Lake, FL; granddaughter Shania Wilkison; granddaughter Dakota Dennis and husband Klinton; grandson Kolton Wilkison; grandson Reese Wilkison and wife Maddi; Kirk Calhoon, wife Gina and family; Kaid Calhoon, Breanna and son; great granddaughter Timber Lynn Dennis and great grandson Riker Wayne Dennis.
A memorial service, officiated by Pastor Troy Buss, will be held on Saturday, January 20, 2024, at 10:30 a.m., at the Logan Christian Church in Logan, Kansas. The service will be live streamed on the Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel Facebook page. Following the service, inurnment will take place at the Pleasant View Cemetery in Logan.
Friends may sign the book from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday, January 19, 2024, at the Logan Funeral Home in Logan.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project or the Logan Christian Church.
