Published on March 16, 2026 2:31 pm
Last Updated on March 16, 2026 2:33 pm
Kenneth Scott Talley, 63, formerly of Toledo, IL passed away on Wednesday, March 11, 2026 at his home in Effingham, IL.
No services will be held; an intimate gathering with his children and his siblings was held in memory of him. Johnson Funeral Home is assisting the family. Online condolences may be shared at www.johnsonandsonsfh.com.
Kenneth was born on August 15, 1962 in Carbondale, IL, the son of Hulin and Marilyn (Brubaker) Talley. He spent most of his life in the Toledo/Greenup area. He was one of six children. It was hard not to know at least one from the Talley crew around the small community. Known to many as “KT”, Ken, or Kenneth, he greeted everyone with a friendly demeanor and a genuine warmth. Even if you called him Kenny which was never his favorite, he might quickly correct you, “it’s Kenneth”, he’d say, but he’d still give you a smile and be sure to shake your hand. No matter the circumstance, Kenneth had a way of meeting people where they were and offering kindness without hesitation. Throughout the years he worked many roles, and always, he was proud of whatever work he was doing and remembered fondly by his co-workers and customers throughout the years. Helping someone out came naturally to him, and he carried a quiet pride in doing his part well. He often said that his greatest achievement in life was his son and daughter. The pride he had in them was like no other. In many ways, he felt his purpose here on earth had been fulfilled long ago because his children had grown into people who far exceeded his hopes and expectations. Proverbs 20:7 “The righteous man walks in his integrity; blessed are his children after him.” He deeply enjoyed his grandchildren—not only in the traditional ways of attending sporting events and birthday parties but in watching the kind of people they were becoming. When his children shared the ups and downs of parenting, he listened intently, never with judgment, but with understanding, gentle suggestions, and a quiet happiness that they were doing such a beautiful job now with their own children.
Kenneth is survived by his children, Ciara (Mike) Daume of Effingham, IL and Shea (Alessa) Talley of Conroe, TX. Grandchildren, Lynlie Daume, Lincoln Daume, and Sienna Talley. Brothers, Marty (Kathy) Talley of Lawton, OK; Mark Talley of Toledo, IL; Jim (Amy) Talley of Greenup, IL. Sisters, Cindy (Dan) Ozier of St. Joseph, IL and Yvonne (Tom) Hand of Effingham, IL.
He was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents.