Kevin K. Vogel

Kevin K. Vogel, of Tilton, passed away on August 24, 2025, in Normal, Illinois. He was born on September 9, 1952, in Watseka, Illinois to the late Lois and Glenn Vogel. Kevin attended Wellington High School. Following his educational pursuits, he enlisted in the Army, proudly serving his country with honor until his discharge in 1977. He was married to Mary (Cox) Jennings for nearly 15 years, before marrying Willene Smith, whom he would spend the remainder of his life with until her passing in 2020.

Kevin attended Danville Area Community College where he received his degree in corrections while working at Security Services. In 1988, he accepted a job at the Danville Correctional Center and dedicated himself to this role until his retirement. In addition to his professional achievements, Kevin was an esteemed martial art instructor, holding a 4th-degree black belt. For over 20 years, he imparted his knowledge and passion for Karate by teaching classes in Hoopeston and Westville, demonstrating his commitment to mentoring and nurturing the next generation.

Kevin is survived by his children Alisa (Paul) Sudlow, Aaron (Andrea) Vogel, Joshua Schwartz, and step children Tim (Jessica) Smith, Ronnie (Tracy) Smith, Ricky (Tiffany) Smith, Loretta Sanderson and Connie Smith, his grandchildren Hazel Sudlow, Kinsley Vogel, Kaylin Vogel, Kyson Vogel, Bobby Wood, Harley Thorn, Lydia (Drew) Thorn, Ronnie Thorn, Michael Chi (Destinie) Pierce, Joshton Schwartz, Bryce Schwartz, and Ethan Schwartz; and his great-grandchildren Chael, Able, Weston, Opal, and Andrew. He also leaves behind his siblings Richard (Lana) Vogel and Rhonda (Jessie) Koontz, and his son-in-law Mike Thorn.

In addition to his parents and wife, Kevin was preceded in death by his daughter Jessica Thorn and his sister Sandra Ingram.

A funeral service celebrating Kevin’s life will take place at 12:00 pm on Tuesday, September 2, 2025 at Sunset Funeral Home’s Urbas Chapel, located at 414 S. State Street in Westville. A visitation will be held prior from 10:00 am – 12:00 pm that morning at the funeral home. He will be laid to rest at Sunset Memorial Park in Danville following services. Please join Kevin’s family in sharing fond memories, pictures, and videos on his Tribute Wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com