Mr. Kenneth Lee Mahnesmith, Sr., 85, of Galesburg, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Tuesday, June 27, 2023, at OSF St. Francis Medical Center, Peoria.
Kenneth was born December 17, 1937, in Galesburg, the son of John V. and Ethel Mae (Miller) Mahnesmith. He married the love of his life, Dixie Dawne Hiatt on March 19, 1958, in Burlington, Iowa.
He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Dixie; his son Kenneth Lee (Angela) Mahnesmith, Jr. of Galesburg; his sister, Janette Lucas of Wataga, Illinois; three grandchildren, Natasha (Alex) Courtney, Tiffany (and the late Dave) Riley and Anastasia Stoneking; and eight great-grandchildren, Natalie, Adriana, Naomi, Josiah, Isabella, Benjamin, Evan and Jeremiah. He is preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Norman Mahnesmith, and his sister, Myrna Moats.
Kenneth worked to support his family as a truck driver for over 40 years. He drove for Dohrn Trucking and retired in June 1998 from Yellow Freight Trucking Company. Kenneth also pastored churches in Abilene, Kansas from 1978-1984 and later in Hays, Kansas from 1984-1998. Kenneth was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He enjoyed spending time with all of his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was a faithful servant and member of the Apostolic Tabernacle Church. Ken loved to listen to guitar-based country gospel music.
Kenneth served in the Army Reserves from 1956-1964.
Funeral services are scheduled for 10:30 am Saturday, July 1, 2023, at the Apostolic Tabernacle Church with Rev. Joel Aldrich officiating. Visitation will be from 5:00-7:00 pm Friday, June 30, 2023, at Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Services Galesburg Chapel. The burial will be in East Linwood Cemetery with Military Honors. Memorials may be made to the family to establish a memorial fund in Kenneth’s name, checks c/o Dixie Mahnesmith. Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com
