Kenneth "Kenny" R Bostwick

“To be absent from the body….is to be present with the Lord”. Kenneth R. (Kenny) Bostwick – husband, father, grandpa, uncle, and friend – said goodbye to his family that he loved so much and equally loved by each one of them, took Jesus’ hand and walked joyfully into his eternal home on the evening of Wednesday, September 11, 2024 hearing the words, “Welcome….good and faithful servant”.

Kenny was born on October 22, 1935, in Danville, to Floyd and Janice (Deck) Bostwick. He graduated from Danville High School in 1954. While at Danville High School, he lettered in football and baseball. After graduation, Kenny enlisted in the United States Marine Corp., serving three years.

On June 18, 1955 Kenny married Sandra Swaim in Yuma, Arizona. They were married until her death on August 21, 2000. Their children are: Kelly (John) Sands, Danville; Patrick (Marcie) Bostwick, Bismarck; and Darcy (Mark) Grites, Danville. Son, Shane, passed away on September 7, 1987. Grandchildren are: Kyle Sands, Peoria; Jenna (Josh) Johnson, Bloomington; Tanner (Jennifer) Grites, Danville; Chloe Grites (fiancé, Joshua Wright), Danville; Ryan Bostwick, Bismarck; Allie Bostwick, Danville. Great-grandsons are: Eli Sands, Peoria; Ian Johnson, Bloomington. Kenny also had nieces and nephews who he loved.

For approximately 50 years, Kenny was a member of Vermilion Heights Christian Church. His love for His Lord and Savior gave him the joy to serve God in many ministries through all those years. In the spring of 1977, Kenny became the Lay Minister of Vermilion Heights Christian Church, through early July 2000. He ministered God’s word, brought people to know Christ, visited people in their homes, hospitals, and nursing homes, and loved people as Christ asks us to love one another. He so loved his church family….each and every one.

For almost 40 years, Kenny owned and operated “Ken’s Redwood Barbershop” in Vermilion Heights – serving that community and many others with much more than just “haircuts”. Love, friendships, many kinds of conversations….which included a lot of Cubs/Cardinals bantering since Kenny was an avid Cubs fan, and Vermilion Heights kids coming to the shop to buy a soda from the pop machine. Long lasting relationships were formed in this small Vermilion Heights barber shop!

In the mid 1960’s through early 1970’s, Kenny was part of the Ellsworth Panther Football Association – coaching junior and varsity leagues. Because of his “expertise” on the Danville High School playing field, he knew the game well and was a great and very loved coach by the young men who played for him. One of his former players, Jeff Gossett, went on to play pro football in the NFL as a punter.

During the 1960’s and 1970’s, both Kenny and wife, Sandy, were actively involved in the Heart Fund Association. Their son, Shane, was born with a congenital heart disease and this brought a special passion for them to serve in different capacities within the organization.

On October 10, 2000, Kenny married Sharon Grinestaff in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. They enjoyed a number of years as “snowbirds” traveling to the Gulf Shore/Orange Beach areas during the winter months. In the last couple of years, especially this last year and several months, Sharon cared and provided for Kenny’s well-being each and every day, putting his needs well before her own. They were/are faithful members of CrossRoads Christian Church, serving in different areas of ministry.

One of Kenny’s most desired and hoped for highlights came on November 2, 2016 when his beloved Chicago Cubs won the World Series! He finally could say to his Cardinal friends, “don’t have to wait ‘til next year!”

Kenny was preceded in death by his wife, Sandy; his son, Shane; his parents; his brother, Jerry Bostwick; and his step-mother, Martha Talbert.

Friends and family will be received from 4-7 pm, Thursday, September 19 at CrossRoads Christian Church located at 3613 N. Vermilion Street, Danville, Illinois 61832. A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, the 20th, at 10 am at the church. Officiating will be Miles Clark. As per Kenny’s wishes, his body will be cremated. Committal rites will be at a later date at Oakwood Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Kenny’s memory may be given to the CrossRoads Building Fund.

From the family of Kenny Bostwick…..”We are heartbroken for the loss we now have to carry. But – knowing his suffering is over and he is now

with Jesus, reunited with family, and dancing with the angels in Paradise gives us joy.”

Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Danville, Illinois, 3940 N Vermilion St. Danville, IL 61834 is assisting the family with arrangements.

Please join Kenny’s family in sharing memories, photos and videos on his tribute wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com .