It was not the flames of a fired this strong young fireman went towards as he had so many times before, but the lights of glory welcoming this child of God home, Kenneth Burton Wilson, 51, on Saturday, November 11, 2023. Kenny was born on April 13, 1972, in Tyrone, PA to MaryCarol (Bumgarner) and the late Francis L. “Crazy Larry” Wilson.
Kenny was a graduate of Slippery Rock High School, Class of 1991 and following that graduated from Vale Tech in Blairsville. He was Presbyterian by faith and attended Mt. Chestnut Presbyterian Church. Kenny was employed by Mark McClymonds Trucking almost since graduation, some 30+ years. Ken loved to fish with his dad, play softball and tinker with his beautiful Harley Davidson, making several trips west and south seeing the country. He and his wife of a short 3.5 months, Terri (Hinkle) Wilson, could be found with their friends on most weekends touring western Pennsylvania.
With all that being said and having been witnessed by the many recent articles of the benefit held in his honor at the Prospect/Franklin Twp., it would be redundant to say that Kenny’s first love, after family and friends, was the Prospect/Franklin Twp. Volunteer Department having served as Fire Chief, Asst. Fire Chief, and other fire line positions for the past 33 years.
Kenny leaves behind an awesome legacy and many people who have loved and befriended him including his loving wife, Terri (Hinkle); step-daughter, Sara (Julio); and step-son, Tommy (Emily); his mother, MaryCarol (Bumgarner); his brother, Frank and his family, Kendra (Kerr) and Leah Marie; his father-in-law, Bob Hinkle; two brothers-in-law, Todd (Ronda), and Jonathon (Tara); sister-in-law, Angie Hinkle; several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his father, Larry, who recently passed away on April 14, 2023; his mother-in-law, Betty Hinkle, who passed away on March 4, 2023; and brother-in-law, Christopher Hinkle.
A visitation will be held on Friday, November 17, 2023, from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Thompson – Miller Funeral Home, Inc., 124 East North Street, Butler, PA 16001.
A Firefighters Service will be held on Friday, November 17, 2023, at 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home.
A funeral service will be on Saturday, November 18, 2023, at 10:30 a.m. at Mt. Chestnut Presbyterian Church, 727 W. Old Rte 422, Butler, PA 16001, with Rev. Dr. Larry Maley, officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Prospect Volunteer Fire Department, PO Box 516, Prospect, PA 16052.
All who knew Kenny are encouraged to share memories and upload photos to his remembrance page at www.thompson-miller.com.