Kenneth was born September 7, 1929 in Bridgeport, CT. He attended art school in New Haven after high school, but that was interrupted by the draft for the Korean War. Ken served in the U.S. Army Signal Corp in Korea, stationed in Daegu. Upon returning home he attended University of Bridgeport and graduated with a degree in Industrial Design. A position with General Electric brought him and Dorothy to Central New York where they lived for many years. A job with Fisher Price brought the family to East Aurora, where he worked designing toys.
Painting and drawing were a lifelong passion for Kenneth. His realistic depictions of landscapes and still lifes hang in houses around the country. He was a member of the East Aurora Art Society and always looked forward to showing his work at the Annual Fine Art Exhibit and Sale.
His other passion was boating and the water. He loved visiting beaches from Maine down to North Carolina. He served in the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary in Buffalo for many years.
Kenneth is survived by his wife Dorothy (nee Chernauskas) and children Debra (James) Virgo, Jacqueline Wilkes and David (Beth) Wilkes, grandchildren Nicole, Daniel, Benjamin, Allison and Andrew, and nieces and nephews. He was brother of the late Richard (Henriette) Wilkes.
A memorial service for Kenneth will be held Saturday, February 8, 2020 at 11:00 AM at Nativity Lutheran Church, 970 E. Main Street, East Aurora, NY 14052.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Kenneth's memory may be made to People Inc., https://www.people-inc.org/support_us/donation/index.html.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.woodfh.com for the Wilkes family.
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