Kenneth E. Essex

Kenneth E. Essex, 74, of Panama, passed away at 10:10 p.m. on Monday, September 26, 2022, at Nature Trail Health and Rehab Center in Mt. Vernon.

Kenny was born September 23, 1948, in Carlyle, the son of Edgebert “Buzz” and Ruby (Carter) Essex.  He married Elizabeth Craig in West Frankfort in 1977.  She preceded him in death on February 19, 1999.  Kenny then married Diane Redfearn on April 24, 2004, at Rend Lake.  She preceded him in death on June 7, 2020.

After graduating high school, Kenny proudly served his country in the United States Army.  He went on to work for many years, and retire from, Franklin Williamson Human Services.  Kenny was a longtime member of the Masonic Lodge in West Frankfort, and he loved camping and fishing.

He was also preceded in death by his parents, and two sisters, Lois Moore, and Mary Fouts.

Kenny is survived by his sons, Benjamin (wife, Tanya) Essex of Pueblo West, CO, and Theodore (wife, Liz) Essex of West Frankfort; stepdaughters, Melanie Tarver of Panama, and Erica (husband, Derek) LeMaster of Edwardsville; grandchildren, Macenzie Knox, Maressa Tarver, Maryn Tarver, Ava Essex, and Kolby LeMaster; brother, Duane Essex of Benton; and several nieces and nephews.

Memorial Ceremony: 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 15, 2022, at Perfetti-Assalley Funeral Home, 117 Walnut Street, Panama, IL 62077 with Rev. Frank Loskot, Jr. officiating.  The memorial ceremony will begin with Masonic Rites.

Inurnment with military honors will follow the ceremony at Union Cemetery in Panama.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Nature Trail Health and Rehab Center, 1001 S. 34^th Street, Mt. Vernon, IL 62864.

Please visit www.assalleyfuneralhomes.com to share memories of Kenny, or to offer condolences to his family.