Kenneth R. O'Block Obituary (1944 - 2018)

Kenneth R. O'Block, 73, of Pana passed away on Saturday, April 28, 2018 in his home. He was born November 18, 1944 in Chicago, IL, son of the late Patrick & Helen (Burns) O'Block. Kenneth was a graduate of Marion Catholic High School, and attended Roosevelt University & Thorton Community College. He was also a member of the Army National Guard. Kenneth lived most of his adult life in the Springfield & Pana areas. Although he was raised in the Catholic faith, he most recently attended the Pana Christian Church. He had worked in advertising, marketing, sales, and the security field, but most recently he worked at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum. He was an avid Green Bay Packer fan and never met a stranger. Kenneth was a friend of Bill W.'s, the creative force behind Alcoholics Anonymous, and together they helped people on their journey through AA. He was a loving husband and father. Kenneth married Vickie Trexler on February 14, 1992 in the Pana Christian Church and she survives in Pana, along with children: Sean O'Block, Naperville, IL; Shannon Sowers (companion Amy), Pana, IL; Michael "Rusty" (Kirstin) Sowers, Champaign, IL; 2 grandsons: Fletcher Thomas Sowers & Tate Michael Sowers; brothers: Dennis (Barbara) O'Block, Carrollton, TX; Michael (Debbie) O'Block, Fort Myers, FL; sisters: Patty (Jim) Meyer, McKinney, TX; Peggy Horvath, Sarasota, FL; Nancy (David) Keenan, Chicago, IL. He was also preceded in death by his brother, Patrick O'Block in infancy and sister, Kathy McGill; and several nieces & nephews. Per Kenneth's request, cremation rites have been accorded and a private celebration of life service will be held at a later date. Memorials in Kenneth's honor may be made to Pana Christian Church; Pana Community Hospital Foundation for Hospice; or Alcoholic's Anonymous and will be accepted by McCracken-Dean Funeral Home who is assisting the family. www.mdfh.com