Of Jackson, passed away on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, at 93. He is survived by his devoted wife of 70 years, Letha J. Elliott; three children, Rae Maynard, Nadine (Brian) Manchester and Scott (Chandra) Elliott; five grandchildren, Elizabeth (Trevor) Plummer, Justin Manchester, Matthew (Melissa) Elliott, Kain (Sara) Elliott and Jonathan Maynard; nine great-grandchildren as well as nieces, nephews, loving family members and friends. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Charlene McAtee and son-in-law, Richard Maynard. Kenwood was born in Jackson, Michigan, to Keith and Eunice Elliott on February 12, 1931. After graduating from Jackson High School in 1949, he started his career at Consumers Power Company in the mailroom. He enlisted and proudly served in the United States Navy during the Korean Conflict. Upon his honorable discharge, he returned to Jackson and married Letha Kimball on July 10, 1954, and together, they raised their family.
Kenwood returned to Consumers Power after his military service, proudly working for Consumers Power Company in Jackson, Saginaw, and Jackson again where he worked until his retirement in September 1987 after 37 years of service. Kenwood and Letha enjoyed many years traveling the globe together and being "Snowbirds" at their winter home in Leesburg, Florida, where they have a wonderful friend group in Molokai especially David and Carolyn Nelson. Kenwood was an avid Ham Radio operator along with his son, with a call sign of WD8ECC. Kenwood enjoyed riding roller coasters and was a member of the American Coaster Enthusiasts (ACE); he and Letha would travel the country for him to ride the newest and greatest coasters while Letha waited patiently, reading her books.
Kenwood was a devoted family man who dearly loved his family. He enjoyed spending quality time with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He had a quick wit and a marvelous sense of humor. Ken was a lifelong learner who earned a bachelor's degree from Siena Heights College in Adrian, Michigan; he enjoyed reading, genealogy, searching the Internet, and captive-rearing monarch butterflies in Michigan and Florida.
The family will receive guests at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, November 18, 2024, at St. John's United Church of Christ, 801 S. Mechanic Street, Jackson, MI 49203. A service to celebrate Ken's life will then follow at noon, followed by a luncheon. Cremation has taken place, and a private interment will take place at Woodland Cemetery, Jackson, Michigan.
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