Thursday, March 28, 2024

Congressman Kenneth J. Gray – Obituary

KenGrayCongressman Kenneth J. Gray, 89, of West Frankfort passed away at 11:29 p.m. Saturday, July 12, 2014 in the Herrin Hospital. He was born November 14, 1924 in West Frankfort to Thomas and Anna (Reed) Gray. He married Gwendolyn June Gray and she preceded him in death. He later married Margaret “Toedy” Holley-Gray.

Survivors include his wife, Margaret “Toedy” Holley-Gray of West Frankfort; daughters, Diann (Mike) Jasinski of Boynton Beach, Florida and Becky Gray Clay of Johnston City;  Candy McKeithen of West Frankfort; grandchildren, Linsey Karroll, Lulu Lehmann, Max Gray, Lauren (Markus) Herrmann, Jamie (Elizabeth) Hall, Allison Hall, Joy Jasinski, Major McKeithen, Josh (Amber) Joiner, Holley (Kyle) Hosick; great grandchildren, Joshua Hall, Wesley Joiner and Lyric Hosick; son-in-law, Jerry Joiner of West Frankfort; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents; first wife, Gwendolyn June Gray; a son, James K. Gray, daughter, Marble Joiner, two brothers, Ralph and Paul Gray, and by a son-in-law, Bill Clay.

He attended the Christian Worship Center in West Frankfort. He served during W.W. II in the United States Army Air Force and was a former United Sates Congressman representing Southern Illinois for many years.

Funeral services will be at 4:00 p.m. Saturday, July 19, 2014 in Benton Civic Center 414 West Hudelson Street Benton, Illinois with Rev. Tim Gray and Rev. Tim Dyson officiating. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Saturday in the Benton Civic Center. Military graveside services will be at 1:00 p.m. Sunday July 20, 2014 with entombment in the East Fork Cemetery in West Frankfort. Memorial contribution may be made to the Ken Gray Scholarship Fund at John A. Logan College and will be accepted at the Benton Civic Center. Parker-Reedy Funeral Home in West Frankfort is in charge of arrangement. To sign the guest register visit www.parkerreedyfuneralhome.com.