Kenneth Earl Michael of Centralia peacefully departed this life on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, at the age of 90.
Kenneth was born on January 18th, 1935 in Romine Township, the son of Arthur Grant Michael and Donna (Lowry) Michael. On October 20, 1952, in Union City, Tennessee, Kenneth married the love of his life, Margie Ann French. She preceded him in death on October 22, 2020, after 68 wonderful years.
Kenneth leaves behind an enduring legacy through his loving family: his children, Kenneth N. Michael and wife Nancy of Sahuarita, Arizona; Ronald L. Michael and wife Linda of Texico; and Linda Kay Reynolds and husband David of Centralia. Kenneth is also survived by his cherished seven grandchildren: Tammy Wooters and husband Jeff of Tuscumbia, Alabama; Ranee Garner and husband John of Texico; Kris Hope and husband Terry of Murphysboro; Kaci Peters and husband Darren of Centralia; Leah Ritter and husband Jesse of Harrison, Tennessee; Rebecca Reynolds and fiancé Wes Stewart of the Caucasus; and Jonathan Reynolds of Centralia. Kenneth also leaves behind nine great-grandchildren: Chad Garner and wife Mary Beth, Chelsey Jordan and husband Jake, Dakota Garner, Savannah Felty and husband Brandon, Taylor Garner, Zachary Wooters and wife Chauncey, Chelsea Romero and husband Juan, Madison Dawson, and Kaiden Peters; ten great-great-grandchildren: Mackenna Michael, Finn Michael, Liam Jordan, Kaeson Garner, Peyton Kresch, Mason Kresch, Eva Stinnett and husband Austin, Ben Romero, Charley Leydet, and Harmony Leydet; a great-great-great-
Kenneth was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, his sister Dorothy Donoho, his grandson Chad Michael, and his sister-in-law Lena Michael.
Kenneth was known for his unwavering devotion to his family and his church and for his strong work ethic. He was a railway carman for the Illinois Central Gulf railroad in Centralia from 1953 to 1982 and then for Metra in Chicago from 1983 until his retirement in 1996, a total of 44 years. Kenneth was a member of First General Baptist Church in Centralia, where he taught Sunday school for many years and served as a Deacon after his ordination by the Union Grove Association in 1978. Kenneth enjoyed spending time with his family, eating out, and watching Cardinals baseball and old westerns.
Funeral Services will be held Saturday, February 22, 2025, at 11: 00 AM at the First General Baptist Church in Centralia with Pastor Bryan Bennett officiating. Burial will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Park in Centralia. Visitation will be held Friday, February 21, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the First General Baptist Church in Centralia. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the First General Baptist Church and/or the American Cancer Society and will be accepted at the Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home at 235 North Sycamore Street Centralia, Illinois 62801, (618)532-3523, who is honored to be of service to Kenneth’s family. Online condolences may be made to the family by visiting www.sutherlandfuneralhome.com or the Funeral Home’s Facebook page.
