Kenneth Bigelow
July 1, 2010

Kenneth A. Bigelow, age 84, of 2130 Harrison, #41A and formerly of 1601 Highland Lane, Quincy, died Thursday, July 1, 2010 at 3:05 a.m. in Good Samaritan Home.

He was born August 4, 1925 in Quincy, Illinois, the son of Arthur and Marguerite M. Binger Bigelow. On June 23, 1945 he married Bonnie L. Meyer in Quincy. She survives.

He attended Quincy Public Schools. He served 30 months as Quartermaster 3rd Class in the US Navy in the South Pacific in the 7th Amphibious Fleet which saw action in New Guinea, Solomon Islands, and the Philippines. He was service manager and salesman for Cadillac and Oldsmobile for 10 years.

He entered the Real Estate business in April 1958 and opened Bigelow Real Estate in January of 1960. He was a member of the National Association of Realtors, Illinois Association of Realtors and Quincy Board of Realtors. He was twice honored as Realtor of the Year by the Quincy Board of Realtors, Awarded Life Membership and Outstanding Realtor Career Award by the Quincy Board of Realtors. He was the past president of Quincy Board of Realtors, District Vice President of Illinois Association Realtors, past Governor of Realtors Institute of Illinois as well as a graduate of the Institute. He was an instructor for Real Estate Education Company since 1974. He was a designated member of the National Association of Independent Fee Appraisers and he was also an Instructor. He was a past President of Quincy Chapter of Independent Fee Appraisers. He was a member of the Quincy Noon Kiwanis Club since February 1962 and served as its President, and he also served as Lt. Governor of Division 29 of the II District of Kiwanis International. Ken was Past President of the Silver Dollar Square Dance Club, Past President of Travelin' Trompers Camping and Square Dance Club and was a member of the Camper Stampers Camping Club. He served on the Good Samaritan Board of directors for six years and was its President one year. He was an expert witness for real estate court cases in Illinois, Iowa and Missouri.

He was a member of Central Baptist Church where he served on the Board of Trustees, Board of Deacons, was the church treasurer, served on the Pulpit Committee and taught Sunday School for over 40 years. He was president of the USS Henry T. Allen Association for three years, a member of the American Legion Post 37, and a member of the VFW. Ken worked with the Great River Honor Flight and was able to participate in a flight to the WWII memorial in Washington, DC. He also worked with Casa and was a member of Friends of the Log Cabin.

Survivors in addition to his wife are a Daughter; Cynthia J. Thye of Overland Park, Kansas, a son, Brad L. Bigelow and his wife, Debbie, of Apopka, Florida, two grandchildren; Ryan Thye and his wife, Jessica, of Overland Park, Kansas and Cameron Bigelow of Apopka, Florida; 2 great grandchildren, Sara and Silas; three brothers; Richard C. Bigelow of Quincy, David P. Bigelow of Kingston, IL and James A. Bigelow of Tyrone, Georgia.

Services: 10 a.m.- Tuesday, July 6, 2010 at Central Baptist Church with the Rev. Ivan Greuter officiating. Burial with Military Rites by American Legion Post #37 will be in Greenmount Cemetery.

Visitation: 4-7 p.m - Monday at Hansen-Spear Funeral Home.

Memorials: In lieu of flowers memorials may be given to Central Baptist Church or the Charity of donor's choice.

www.hansenspear.com

Hansen-Spear Funeral Directors are in charge of arrangements.

 

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