WEST FRANKFORT - Kenneth Denmon Richmond, 86, died Monday, April 15, 2013, after a prolonged illness. He was born in Williamson County. He was preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth and Ruey Richmond of Lacon. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Mary Avalee Richmond; two sons, Kenneth Lann Richmond and Kevin Vance Richmond; one daughter-in-law, Rae Lynn Richmond; four grandchildren, Matthew Richmond, Stephen Richmond, Dana Lynn Nudelman and Cameron Vance Richmond; sister, Chris Budd; one sister-in-law, Martha Blunier; and two brothers-in-law, Jerry Budd and Clete Blunier. Mr. Richmond married Mary Avalee Puckett on Aug. 29, 1948. He served in the U.S. Army at the time of World War II. After returning home from military duty, he began a career in farming. He worked on farms in Illinois and Tennessee and later owned his own farm in Southern Illinois. In the early '60's he began a career in insurance, operating the Richmond Insurance Agency. Through his agency, he provided life, medical and disability insurance to many Southern Illinois coal miners. In 2010, he officially retired from the insurance business and devoted much of his time to his favorite hobby, gardening. Mr Richmond was an avid believer in natural approaches to farming and to medicine. He was also a lifelong learner who had a passion for reading and a desire to understand and learn about history, people and other cultures. In his later years he enjoyed spending time with his wife and family in their home. He was a member of First Baptist Church in Marion. A memorial celebration of life service will be at 11 a.m. Friday, April 19, in Parker Reedy Funeral Home in West Frankfort, with the Rev. David Willard officiating. Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m. Friday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to a charity of the donor's choice and will be accepted at the funeral home. For more information or to sign the guest register, visit www.parkerreedyfuneralhome.com. Published in The Southern Illinoisan on April 17, 2013 Send Flowers Now Remember Obituary Remember on Facebook Share with Others Ways to help Funeral Home Details Donate to Charity of your Choice