Kenneth "Kenny" Sills

Kenneth J. “Kenny” Sills, 80, of Evansville, passed away Sunday, September 25, 2011, at VNA Charlier Hospice Center. He was surrounded by his wife, children, grandchildren, brother, and daughters-in-law. Kenny graduated from Memorial High School in 1949, where he played basketball from 1947-49 and was captain of the 1949 team. After graduation, he played basketball for the Economy Food Center Independent Team of Evansville, and was a member of the team that won the Tri-State AGOGA Amateur Basketball Tournament. Kenny married his high school sweetheart Joann Weigand in 1952. They were married 59 and a half wonderful years, and had five children; Steven K. Sills, who preceded Kenny in death, Kevin (Robin) Sills of Henryville, IN, Daniel (Cheryl Bergeron) Sills of St. Louis, MO, Thomas (Heather) Sills of Newburgh, IN, Joan Sills of Evansville and eight grandchildren, Benjamin, Erin, Jordan, Alexandria, Kenneth, Harrison, Victoria, and Madeline. Also surviving Kenny are two sisters, Eloise (Clinton) Hudson of Indianapolis, IN and Doris (Bob) Curran of Torrington, CT and a brother, Vincent (Martha) Sills of Evansville. Kenny was a wonderful husband, an outstanding father and loved his grandchildren. In addition to his son Steven, Kenny was preceded in death by his parents, George “Ray” and Frieda Sills and brothers, Ronal, Donal and Raymond Sills. Kenny was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1953 during the Korean Conflict. After basic training, he was sent to Germany, where he served as a paymaster until 1954 and played basketball for the Headquarters Team of the Second Armored Division. He was named MVP of the Division Basketball Tournament. He continued to enjoy basketball his whole life, coaching St. Theresa and St. Boniface grade school teams for 20 years. He was also involved with Evansville Little League while his sons played, and served as President and Treasurer for several years. Kenny graduated from Lain Technical Institute in 1959 with a degree in Tool Processing Engineering. He worked at Whirlpool as an engineer for 40 years before retiring January 1, 1990. Kenny was a member of the Knights of Columbus, VFW Post #1114, the Whirlpool Management Club and the St. Boniface Booster Club, where he served as president. He enjoyed playing golf with his sons and friends. He and his wife played par 3 golf with the K of C league. They won one of the league’s annual golf tournaments. Kenny was passionate about Notre Dame football. Funeral services for Kenny will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Thursday, September 29, 2011 at St. Boniface Catholic Church, Rev. Kenneth Herr officiating. Burial will follow in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery. Friends may visit with the family from 2:00 until 7:00 P.M. on Wednesday at Pierre Funeral Home, 2601 W. Franklin Street, where there will be a memorial service held at 4:00 P.M. Friends may also visit with the family from 10:30 A.M. until service time on Thursday at St. Boniface. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to VNA Charlier Hospice Center. The family wishes to thank the nurses and staff for their caring and compassionate treatment.

Kenneth "Kenny" Sills

May 20, 1931 - September 25, 2011