Kenneth Lee Wilson, 76, a lifelong resident of De Leon, peacefully passed from this life at his home on Saturday, August 27, 2022. He was born December 16, 1945, in Gorman, Texas to Quinton J. Wilson and Laura L. Bingham Wilson. Kenneth married his loving wife of 56 years, Kathy Dawkins, March 31, 1966.

Kenneth was raised in De Leon and graduated with the De Leon Class of 1964. Soon after graduation, he enlisted in the United States Army and served in Vietnam as a Military Policeman. Once returning from the service, Kenneth went to work for Texas Central Railroad and retired as a Train Engineer after thirty-three years of dedicated service. In his spare time Kenneth loved to be involved in anything sport related. He was an umpire for many years for the community youth games and he also played softball well into his adulthood. Kenneth pastored Fair Haven Baptist Church for many years. He loved the opportunity the Lord provided him to deliver His word weekly to the members and visitors of Fair Haven. While Kenneth would not want any recognition or credit for his volunteer ministry work throughout the community of De Leon, it can not go unmentioned. His love for others was evident in the hundreds of hours he poured into the De Leon Ministerial Alliance, the De Leon Clothes Closet, and the De Leon Food Pantry. He always smiled from ear to ear as he delivered Thanksgiving turkeys from the ministries to families in need for the holiday season.

It was common to find Kenneth at the café sitting around the discussion table with this many coffee shop buddies. Lots of laughter, moments of joy, and even hard times were shared among these men. Kenneth knew no strangers and would go out of his way to help anyone in need. He was a true servant to God, to his family, and to his community. Kenneth was a devoted husband to Kathy, a wonderful dad, an involved Pawpaw, a special friend to many, and a loyal neighbor. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Kenneth is survived by his wife, Kathy; daughter, Kimberly Hill; grandchildren, Justin Gonzales, Kiefer Wilson, Allison Ferris, Wyatt Wilson and Jacie Hill; great-grandchildren, Noah Ferris, Arthur Ferris, and Elizabeth Wilson; brother, Billy J. Wilson; sister, Nita Gonzales; numerous nieces and nephews; and other extended family. Kenneth has been reunited with his parents; son, Michael Wilson; and stepmother, Modenna Wilson.

Funeral services celebrating Kenneth's life were held Thursday, September 1, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. at De Leon First Baptist Church with Brother Daniel Harper officiating. Kenneth was laid to rest in Sand Hill Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers were Stephen Shoemaker, Ricci Coan, Kerry Barefoot, Kenny Barefoot, Marshall Wofford, and Chris Pounds. Honorary pallbearers were Jerry Morgan, Daniel Burlison, Gerald Locke, and Larry Nowlin.

Memorial contributions may be made to De Leon Ministerial Alliance, the De Leon Food Pantry or Clothing Closet, in memory of Kenneth.