Kenneth L. Vallow December 03, 1946 – May 06, 2019 Share this obituary View/Sign Guest Book Kenneth L. Vallow was born on December 03rd, 1946. A friend once said, the day “Kenner” was born, God created one “Unique” person. Kenneth was given the strength of a bull, the integrity of a Saint, the loyalty of a soldier, and the values of a patriot.
Kenneth was made to be exceptional in every way. He was calm in any situation, showed no fear and was certain of every decision made. Kenneth’s work ethic was stronger than any other, and his knowledge seemed endless.
But God didn’t stop there, for God had a sense of humor and looked to be amused by his creation. Therefore, God gave Kenneth the mouth of a sailor, the humor of a stand-up comedian, the abilities of a mind-reader and the “Gift of Gab” like that of the most cunning confidence man. But once again God didn’t stop, for it was decided that Kenneth shall be loved and, in return, pass on his love.
Kenneth went head-on at everything he encountered, with no signs of waning. Throughout his life, Kenneth has aspired to be more, to work hard and to never give up. At an early age Kenneth worked at the family auto mechanic garage, learning his way around an engine.
Kenneth was drafted into the Army, where he served as a Military Police Officer at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. After two years of service, Kenneth returned home and continued working in civil service. While employed with a trucking company, Kenneth also joined the East Hazel Crest Police Department, as well as the East Hazel Crest Fire Department as a volunteer fireman.
Kenneth’s career spanned 49 years as a police officer with the East Hazel Crest Police Department, and 28 years as a fireman with the East Hazel Crest Fire Department. Kenneth held the titles of patrolman, Detective, Evidence Technician, Criminal Investigator, Field Training Officer and Chief of Police during his career with the East Hazel Crest Police Department. He was an excellent interrogator, a tenacious crime fighter and a prolific truck enforcement officer.
Even in his later years, Kenneth ran circles around the much younger officers, out performing all. This earned him the title “the old sheriff”. It was this tenacious appetite for truck enforcement that allowed for the Village of East Hazel Crest to name the scale house at the village hall after him.
A highlight of his personal and professional life was when he became a certified ordained minister. As Kenneth stated many times, he has probably been the cause of many marriages, and many more divorces (jokingly). Kenneth was well respected by his peers, and often looked upon for his knowledge and leadership.
Kenneth completed two stints as the Chief of Police; from 1979 until 1984, and from 2016 until his death. Kenneth passed away at his home on May 06th, 2019 surrounded by family and friends. He was a lifelong resident of the Village of East Hazel Crest.
Kenneth is preceded in death by his parents William “Buck” Vallow and Effie (Hathaway) Vallow. He is survived by his brothers William (Carol) Vallow, Thomas (Janice) Vallow, Timothy (Marsha) Vallow and Gerald Vallow. Though Kenneth was an accomplished civil service employee, his greatest role was that of a devoted husband for nearly 50 years to Joanne (Pushala), and a beloved father to his sons Kenneth (Barbara), Keith (fiancé Jessica), Kristopher (Jillian) and Kevin (Lisa).
Additionally, Kenneth was idolized and adored by his grandchildren Scotty, Justin, McKenna, Landon, Jaxon, Dominic, Jocelyn, Nolan, Camden, Kaylee and Kendal and great grandchild (Evelyn). Kenneth’s strong work ethic, knowledge, dedication, loyalty and love have been passed on to his children and grandchildren, so that many more generations may flourish. Though he is now gone, he will never be forgotten.
Many people have stories they can tell which may contain the wording, “Would you believe that Ken……”. Many people who have crossed Kenneth’s path say how lucky they were to have known him, while others felt privileged to call him a friend or family member. Now that Kenneth is no longer around to chase after the overweight trucks, he would suggest buying stock in one of the locally operated trucking companies, since they will surely see an increased fiscal year due to the fact they are no longer being ran across the scale by him.
Resting at the Tews-Ryan Funeral Home, 18230 Dixie Hwy. , Homewood, Sunday, May 12 from 1:00-7:00 p.m. Services Monday, 10:00 a.m. Interment, private SERVICES Visitation Sunday, May 12, 2019 1:00 PM – 7:00 PM Tews-Ryan Funeral Home 18230 S. Dixie Hwy. Homewood, Illinois 60430 Get Directions on Google Maps Funeral Service Monday, May 13, 2019 10:00 AM – 10:45 AM Tews-Ryan Funeral Home 18230 S. Dixie Hwy.
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