Marvin "Kenneth" Tilley

Marvin “Kenneth” Tilley, 92, Frankfort, KS, died Thursday, November 8, 2012 at the Frankfort Community Care Home. A funeral service was held at 10:30 a.m., Monday, November 12, at the United Methodist Church, Frankfort. Pastor Norma Jean Miller officiated. Janet Plegge played the organ while Steve Gleason sang “Old Rugged Cross” and “I Drink the Wine.” The congregation sang “Amazing Grace.” The pallbearers were Mike Tilley, Joe Tilley, Shawn Tilley, Brian Tilley, Brandon Tilley and Robert Tilley. The honorary pallbearers were Amy (Tilley) Meusborn, Stacey (Tilley) Bailey, Michelle (Tilley) Fincham and K’Lynn (Tilley) Winslow. Burial was in the Frankfort Cemetery with full military honors conducted by Leo McMinimy American Legion Post 181. Kenneth was born on January 2, 1920 at the family home west of Frankfort to Howard and Elsie (Churchill) Tilley. He attended rural schools west of Frankfort. On October 7, 1941, he entered the U.S. Army. He served with the 6th Army Division as Tech/Sergeant serving overseas in the South Pacific area of New Guinea and Philippine Islands from December 1942 to October 1945. Kenneth received his Honorable Discharge on October 7, 1945. On December 20, 1945, he married Malissa Faye Shearer at Frankfort. He worked at Manhattan Tent and Awning, Kuckleman Implement and Chevrolet, Wamego Missile Base and in 1960 he helped construct the new Georgia Pacific Plant at Blue Rapids, Kansas. Later he became an employee of Georgia Pacific retiring after 24 years of employment. Kenneth was also a licensed beautician for nearly 60 years. Kenneth enjoyed gardening, especially tending to his tomato plants. He loved country music and attended many country western shows. He and Faye loved to Square Dance and belonged to several Squaring Dancing Clubs in the area. Kenneth was good at building and repairing many things. He loved spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren. Survivors include three sons, Bob (Roxanne) Tilley, Keith (Diane) Tilley and Dennis (Patricia) Tilley, all of Frankfort; brother, Willard Tilley, Frankfort; twelve grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents; wife, Faye, in 2006; and a three-year old daughter in 1951, Linda; two brothers, Melvin and Dale; and sister, Delores Gordon. Memorial contributions can be made to the Frankfort American Legion and the Frankfort Cemetery. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Marvin "Kenneth" Tilley, please visit our flower store.