Earl Kenneth “Kenny” Wilson, 72, Branson West, Mo., died Friday, March 20, 2009, at his home.

He was born Sept. 1, 1936, in Independence to Loras B. and Rena L. Cook Wilson. He was raised in Chanute and lived in the Kansas City area most of his life where he worked for BSNF (formerly Santa Fe Railway) for 40 years, sharing the occupation of his brother and brother-in-law. After retiring in 1998, Kenny and his wife, Wanda, moved to Branson West, where he thoroughly enjoyed his retirement years on the lake. He served honorably for two years in the U.S. Marine Corp.

Survivors include his wife, Wanda; a daughter, Cynthia Stallman; a daughter-in-law, Betty Wilson; five grandchildren, Jake Stallman, Michael and Sarah Wilson, and Ryan and Tyler Lynnes; a great-grandchild, Kaeli Lynnes; a brother and sister-in-law, Robert D. and Neva Wilson, Wichita; a sister, Betty Buckner, Chanute; a stepson, Andy Riley; a stepdaughter, Terri Lynnes; three step-grandchildren; two step-great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his son, Mark Allen Wilson; and a brother-in-law, Marvin D. Buckner, Chanute.

A memorial service will be 7 p.m. Thursday at Amos Family Funeral Home in Shawnee.

Contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society or Skaggs Hospice of Kimberling City.