Kenneth H. Park's Obituary
Decatur – Kenneth H. Park, 98, passed away peacefully on November 6, 2015, after a career that spanned almost 50 years in the fields of recreation and athletics.
Ken was born to Lesley and Maud (Gepford) Park on October 17, 1917, near Bearsdale, IL. He was a lifelong resident of Macon County except for four years of service in the US Navy during World War II.
Ken graduated from Decatur High School in 1937 where he played on the 1936 state championship basketball team and the 1937 squad that finished as runner-up for the state title. Ken created a stir in the state tournaments those two years by being the first high school player in the state to shoot a one-handed free throw. Ken graduated from Millikin University in 1945 playing on two championship basketball teams.
Ken was a highly successful football and track coach at Mt Zion. His football teams compiled a 108-50-14 record in 19 seasons, winning four Cenois Conference championships and two Soya Conference titles. The 1959 and 1966 teams were undefeated. His track and field squad won numerous Macon County and conference championships including a string of eight straight county championships.
Associated with the Naval Reserve for 30 years, he was activated in 1972 which forced him to leave coaching at Mt Zion. Upon his return, he was lured back by the basketball opening at St Teresa High School.
St Teresa basketball teams compiled a 107-71 record in their seven seasons under Ken, including 80-27 in his last four years, and a “Sweet Sixteen” berth in 1979. He was the Herald & Review “Coach of the Year” in both 1979 and 1981.
Ken retired again in 1982 from area high schools, but continued teaching and coaching the tumbling and gymnastics that he had loved for over 50 years. From North Side Park in 1940 until his final retirement in 2005, he taught classes at the YWCA, Studio B, and coached the Power Tumblers.
Ken was inducted into the Decatur Athletic Council Hall of Fame on June 26, 1994.
Surviving is his wife, Ella (Cruthis) who Ken married in Decatur on October 16, 1977; his step-children Janet (Bill) Brawn and Greg Cruthis, and his sister Jane (Maurice) Reed.
The family wishes to thank Dr. Fritz for his excellent care.
Services to celebrate Ken’s life will be 11 a.m. Wednesday, November 11, 2015 at Graceland/Fairlawn Funeral Home. Visitation will be at 10:00am, also at the funeral home. Entombment will follow in the Star Of Hope Mausoleum at Graceland Cemetery.
The family of Kenneth H Park is being served by Graceland/Fairlawn Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 2091 N. Oakland Ave., Decatur, IL. Memories and condolences may be shared at www.gracelandfairlawn.com.
Video Tribute for Kenneth H. Park: https://www.tributeslides.com/tributes/show/7C5GJBPNK5QBDHZ5
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