Joseph I Kington

CHAMPAIGN- Joseph I Kington, Sr., 76, of Champaign was called home early on Wednesday, February 18, 2015. He passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by family. Joseph had a life well-lived. He was born on October 12, 1938 in Urbana, IL, the son of Irvin “Pinky” Kington and Mary Wascher-Kington. On January 23, 1956 he married the love of his life, Sonya Joan Samara in Urbana. She survives. Also surviving to carry on Josephs legacy are his children, Pam Samara, Mark Kington, Tina Kington, Jeff Kington, Joe (Paula) Kington, and Lydia (Ryan) Kington; son-in-law, Terry Miller; three sisters, Rose Krueger, Debbie (Mike) Chalk, and Catherine (Jimmy) Burgess; twelve grandchildren; nineteen great-grandchildren; and numerous extended family. Preceding Joseph in death are his parents; one son, Fred Kington; one daughter, Paula Kington-Miller; one brother, Bobby Kington; and two sisters, Margaret Kramer and Mary Dehaven. Joseph was a loving husband, father, and friend to many. His outgoing personality attracted much love and respect from all those who knew him. Many people who came into contact with Joseph quickly became part of his family because of his generosity and caring nature. Joseph was a hard worker. His hard work and dedication was shown in his many devoted years as a pipefitter for Union Local 149. As a proud and faithful member of the VFW Post 5520, Joseph served as past Treasurer of the Mens Auxiliary and member of the Color Guard. He had a strong faith in God, and was a devoted member of Holy Cross Catholic Church. In Josephs spare time, you could find him working in his garden or his “little shed”. He was a collector of antiques, and he never missed a Tuesday episode of Antique Road Show. He will be most remembered for his love of his family and many friends. Cremation rights have been accorded by Sunset Funeral Home, 710 N. Neil St., Champaign, Illinois. A Memorial Mass will be held at Holy Cross Church, Champaign at 10:00 am on Saturday, March 14, 2015. A Celebration of his Life will follow at the VFW Post 5520 at 12:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Josephs honor to VFW Post 5520 or Holy Cross Catholic Church. Please join Josephs family in sharing videos, photos, and memories of him at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.