Cecil H. Kennington

Cecil H. Kennington (Coach K) was born on October 1, 1942 to Virdie Lee Kennington in Humboldt, TN. He moved to Rockford, Il in 1953 with his mom and 5 brothers. As a youngster, he loved playing baseball and fishing. In 1957, he met the love of his life, Donna Mae Hutchins. He married her on March 26, 1960. The two have been sweethearts for 64 years. Between 1962 and 1965, Donna and Cecil had 3 children, Kim, Tina, and Craig. He worked hard to provide for his family and taught himself everything he knew by reading and doing.

Cecil took his love of baseball and started coaching his children through the Harlem Community Center’s softball and basketball programs. He also coached all 6 of his grandchildren in basketball or baseball. For 50 years, he touched many young people’s lives as a dedicated coach. He took girls across the country to play sports, something that was unheard of in the 70s. He even coached football because there was a need and he wanted to give back. Many of the people he coached considered him a father figure. He was tough on the field or court but had the biggest heart. All his players fondly called him Coach K.

Cecil loved his family passionately but also wanted to look out for those in need. He hated to see someone suffer and would give the shirt off his back to help anyone. He had a smile that was infectious and he loved to crack jokes. You couldn’t help but feel happy when you were around him. Cecil was blessed with 6 grandchildren, Ryan, Nicole, Ashley, Charlotte, Kaley, and Daniel who he loved dearly and supported through their activities. He also had 5 great-grandchildren, Evelyn, Huxly, Emilia, Oliver, and Hadee. He just beamed when he got to see his great-grandchildren who they affectionately called Popey. Cecil was a diehard Cubs and Packers fan but his most favorite pastime was fishing. He loved to fish anywhere, but he has special memories of fishing the lakes of Minnesota with his best pals, Les Klein and Doc.

Cecil died on April 20, 2024 with family by his side. He is leaving behind his beloved wife, Donna Mae Kennington; his children, Kim Suedbeck (Dave), Tina Fiser (Tony), and Craig Kennington; his grandchildren, Nicole Onken (Jess), Ashley Gray (Cody), Kaley Schaller (David), Daniel Suedbeck (Amanda); his great-grandchildren, Evelyn Gray, Huxly Onken, Emilia Schaller, Oliver Gray, and Hadee Onken; and his brothers, Ralph Kennington and Karl Kennington (Sally). He is predeceased in death by his mother, Virdie Kennington; brothers, Donald Kennington, Glen Kennington, and Charles Kennington; grandson, Ryan Kennington; and granddaughter, Charlotte Zimmerman.

A visitation will be held on Friday, April 26, 2024, from 3:00 to 4:00 pm at North Park Covenant Church, 545 Superior Avenue, Machesney Park, IL 61115, with a memorial service following the visitation at 4:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be given to the family. 

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