Kenneth L. McEwen

Kenneth L. McEwen, 82 of Aledo, died Saturday, January 23, 2010 at Aledo Rehab and Healthcare Center. Services will be Tuesday at 7 PM at Speer Funeral Home, with visitation prior to services from 4 to 7 PM. 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, Wisconsin to Fred & Elizabeth (Gilmore) McEwen. He was a 1946 graduate of Aledo High School. Kenny married Violet Toops on October 24, 1946 in Reynolds, Illinois. They met while roller skating, something they both loved to do. Kenny last skated with his grandchildren in the 1990’s. Vi preceded him in death on April 1, 1998. Kenny was an automobile mechanic for over 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 over 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 of Aledo; Dan & Julie of Oneida; Kathy & Rick Newswander of Aledo and Jeff & Ann of Aledo; 9 grandchildren: Ryan Newswander of Aledo; Hayley Tiffan of Atwood, IL; Barbara Dickson of Cambridge, IL; Kaleb, Jacob, Kyle & Matthew McEwen all of Aledo and Josh and Jessica McEwen of Oneida; 4 great-grandchildren: Taylor, Brooklyn, Jacob and Brenden. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Violet and 2 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 3 years.