Kenneth L. Pitchford, 79, of Mount Vernon, Illinois, entered into the presence of the Lord on January 25, 2026 at 6:25 am at home surrounded by family.
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.” – 2 Timothy 4:7-8
Kenny was born October 29, 1946 in Mount Vernon to William “Bill” and Dorothy Pitchford. He married Debra Huston Pitchford on May 15, 2012, she survives. He was married to Linda Sledge on February 12, 1966 and is survived by their children, Michael Pitchford and partner Jackie Pearson of Mount Vernon and Tracy (Gordon) Wilson of Wayne City, Illinois. He was married to Janet Balance Pitchford on March 22, 1975. She preceded him in death on June 29, 2011. He is survived by their children, Jessica Pitchford of Mount Vernon and Dustin Pitchford of Roanoke, Virginia. Kenny was blessed by his grandchildren, Jadie Morales of Mount Vernon, Jeremy Pitchford of Belle Rive, Illinois, and Connor (Caryssa) Wilson, Brody (Aarin) Wilson, and Macie Strothmann, all of Mount Vernon; great-grandchildren, Jaden, Jacob, and Joel Morales of Mount Vernon, Layne Pitchford of Bluford, Illinois, and Emmett Wilson of Mount Vernon. He is also survived by Debra’s children, Francisca (Josh) Summers of Waltonville, Illinois, Candy Kaufman of Mount Vernon and Crystal Alexander of Collinsville, Illinois; her grandchildren, Emory, Emmah, and Emmersyn Summers of Waltonville, Shane Heck, Caleb Webb, Victoria Sledge, Doug Alexander, America Alexander, and Cruz Lilly, all of Mount Vernon; sister and brother-in-law, Jessica (Gary) Gowler and mother-in-law, Anita Huston, all of Mount Vernon; and several nieces and nephews.
Kenny is reunited in Heaven with his parents; wife, Janet; brother, Farrell Pitchford; and father-in-law and friend, Frank Huston.
Kenny was a retired coal miner and worked many years at Consol Mine in Sesser, Illinois. After retiring, he delivered medical equipment for The Medicine Shoppe in Mount Vernon. He was a member of Panther Fork Baptist Church in Texico, Illinois. He was an avid fisherman, loved camping, visiting with friends, motorcycle trips with Debbie and worshipping the Lord. He cherished every moment he spent with his family and friends. He will be greatly missed by all who loved him.
A Visitation will be held Friday, January 30, 2026 from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm at Newell Funeral Home in Mount Vernon. A Funeral Service will begin at 12:00 pm with Reverend John Ashby officiating. Interment will follow at East Salem Cemetery in Mount Vernon.
Memorials can be made to East Salem Cemetery in Kenny’s memory. The family requests those who wish to express sympathy to consider registering to become an organ donor.
The family would like to thank Dr. Zelman, Dr. Emmons, Nurses Trena, and Julie from Davita.
Call Hughey Funeral Home at 618-242-3348 or visit hugheyfh.com for further information.