Kenneth L. Race

He was born on February 16, 1926 in Springfield, the son of the late Alfred and Mildred (Dare) Race. He married Dolores M. King on November 29, 1947 in Springfield and she preceded him in death on September 8, 2019.

Ken proudly served in the U.S. Navy during WWII. He retired in 1988 from the IL State Fire Marshal’s Office as a deputy state fire marshal. He also retired from the Springfield Fire Department as chief of fire safety, working from 1952 to 1978. He also taught fire science at Lincoln Land Community College, worked for the Railway Post Office, and taught dance at the Arthur Murray Dance Studio. He was a member of the Association of Retired Firefighters, the Ansar Shriners’, the Tyrian Masonic Lodge 333, and the American Legion.

He is survived by 3 children, Cheryl “Cherie” Taylor of Navarre, FL, Kenneth “Bruce” (wife Rebecca) Race of Pleasant Plains, IL, and Susan Race of Virden, IL; 9 grandchildren, Vince (Bridgette) Gavagan, Monica Scholl, Jason (Christina) Race, Lindsay Tranquilli, Ashley Race, Stephanie Race, Bridget (Cory) Yeager, Michael (Felicia) Teater, Eryn Race ; 2 step-grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; 5 step great-grandchildren; 1 great great-granddaughter; and 1 sister Eleanor Robson of Minneapolis, MN.

Besides his parents and his wife, he was preceded in death by a son Michael Allen Race.

Services are under the direction of Bisch and Son Funeral Home, 505 E. Allen, Springfield where a memorial visitation will be held on Thursday, Dec. 5, 2019 from 4 to 7 pm. Graveside memorial service for Kenneth and his wife Dolores will be held on Friday, Dec. 6, 2019 at 12 Noon at Camp Butler National Cemetery with Rev. Mark Gifford officiating. Military honors will be provided by the U.S. Navy and the Interveteran’s Burial Detail of Sangamon County. A reception will be held at the Firefighters-Postal Lake Club, 940 W. Lake Shore Dr, following the service. Per his wishes, cremation rites were accorded.

Memorials may be made to the Ansar Shriners’ Hospital for Children.

Please visit the online obituary at www.bischandsonfuneralhome.com where tributes and condolences may be left for the family.