Kenneth Gleason

Kenneth David Gleason, of Rosiclare, IL, age 79, passed away October 17, 2025, from complications related to exposure from Agent Orange during his Navy service in Vietnam.

Ken was born on February 23, 1946, in Dallas, Texas, to Ellis and Juanita Averitt Gleason. He had 2 sisters, Camille and Sharice, and 6 brothers, Stephen, Mike, Rickey, Jerry, Phillip, and Tony.

Ken graduated from Mesquite High School in 1964, joined the Navy serving 2 tours in Vietnam aboard Destroyers Hopewell and Stoddard before returning to Texas to complete his education at North Texas State University, receiving degrees in Business Administration and Marketing. He worked as a manufacturer’s representative in electronics for most of his business career.

Ken leaves behind his beloved wife, Olettia Vinyard Gleason, daughter Kristi Gleason Schwert, husband Andy, and granddaughters, Olivia & Sophie of Minneapolis, MN, son Scott and wife Evelyn, grandchildren Scott, Amber, Chloe, Collin of Kyle, Tx., and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Ken was preceded in death by his parents, Ellis & Juanita, stepmother Elsie Gleason, 1 sister Camilla and 4 brothers, Stephen, Tony, Phillip and Jerry.

Ken loved all sports, especially the Dallas Cowboys, and held season tickets for the Plano Senior High Wildcats for many years. For fun, he was a bartender at Cowboy Stadium, Texas Motor Speedway, and Dallas’ StarPlex Outdoor Concert venue for over 20 years.

Ken Gleason was a passionate member of Lions International & the Plano Early Lions Club from 1985 until his death. He served his Club, District and State in many capacities, including as Club Secretary, Treasurer, and President many times, District 2-X1 Secretary, District Camp Director, and District Governor 2 times, and his state, Texas MD-2, as Texas Lions Camp President, Secretary & Treasurer. He worked tirelessly as a volunteer at fundraisers and projects over his career as a Lion, and in August, 2025, was inducted into the Texas Lions Hall of Fame at the State Convention in Lubbock, TX.

Ken has always had a Servant's Heart. In addition to his Lionism, Ken contributed to the Danny Thomas St Judes Hospital for Children, and other charities.

Funeral Services will be held at Hardin County Funeral Services P.O. Box 267-6 Stone Church Road, Rosiclare, Il. 62982 at 1:00 pm on October 21, 2025, visitation 11-1 pm, funeral at 1 pm, followed by a graveside service at Vinyard Chapel Cemetery in Karbers Ridge, Il.

Memorials can be sent to the Texas Lions Camp for Special Needs Children in Kerrville, TX, in lieu of flowers.