Kenneth L. Vinson, age 88 of Elwood, passed away on Saturday, February 15, 2014 surrounded by his family at St. Vincent Mercy Hospital in Elwood following an extended illness. He was born on February 22, 1925 in Marion, the son of Leo Garth and Mary Lucille (Townsend) Vinson. He worked as a fork truck mechanic in the shipping and receiving department of Continental Can Corporation in Elwood for more than 32 years, and retired in 1988. He graduated in 1943 from Elwood High School. Kenny married Ruby Lenora Franklin on December 24, 1948, and they shared over 65 years of marriage. He was a member of East Main Street Christian Church; a 68-year member of the Quincy Masonic Lodge in Elwood; and a member of the Elwood Elks Lodge #368. He also enjoyed fishing and hunting, and spending time at Yellow Creek Lake. He was an accomplished woodworker and was proud to have built a grandfather clock. Kenny was formerly a certified pilot and enjoyed flying. More than anything, he loved spending time with his family. He was a devoted father and loving husband to his wife whom he called his "Jewel".

Kenny's family includes his wife, Ruby Lenora (Franklin) Vinson of Elwood; son, Daniel L. Vinson of Gladewater, TX; 3 daughters, Brenda L. Raney of Elwood, Sandra L. Alfrey of Livingston, TX, and Lana K. (husband Max Eric) Waymire of Elwood; brother, Lewis Vinson of Apache Junction, AZ; 11 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; several step great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Leonard Vinson; grandson, Chad Clark; great-grandson, Zak Clark; and beloved dog, "Tippy".

A service celebrating Kenny's life will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, February 20, 2014 at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home in Elwood with Rev. Roger Gardner of East Main Street Christian Church officiating. Burial will follow in the Elwood City Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 4 to 8 PM on Wednesday, February 19, 2014 at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home, and will include a Masonic Memorial Service at 7:00 PM. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society or the American Heart Association. Online condolences may be made at copherfeslermay.com.