Harry L. Kingery

Harry Kingery, age 92, of Pittsfield, IL passed away peacefully on Thursday November 28, 2024, at his home.  He was born on January 23, 1932, in Pittsfield, IL to Jacob and Hilda (Dennison) Kingery.  Harry first married Thelma (Ballard) on July 11, 1951, in Pittsfield, IL and she preceded him in death on September 2, 2000. He later married Shirley (Windmiller) on December 9, 2001, in Kinderhook, IL at the House of Prayer Church and she survives.

Harry was a lifelong Baptist, attending the Louisiana First Baptist Church, then became a member of the Calvary Baptist Church of Pittsfield and also the House of Prayer of Kinderhook.  He graduated from Pittsfield High School and began his working career with Kroger Supermarket.  Harry was drafted into the United State Army in 1952 and served his country during the Korean War.  He was honorably discharged in 1954.  Upon returning home he immediately went back to work at Kroger where he later became Produce Manager, retiring at age 64 after 40 years of employment.  Harry and his first wife Thelma were foster parents and welcomed well over 150 children into their home from 1970 - 1998. Many of those dear ones have remained in contact with him over the years. Harry also held a side job as a radio and T.V. repairman. 

Harry became interested in music when Thelma bought him a banjo building kit. This is when his passion for building instruments began eventually leading him to make, collect and repair instruments not only for himself but for others as well.  Friends would dare him to make various instrument oddities and he was always up for the challenge.  He became involved in various Bluegrass and Country bands over the years his final being with the ‘Southern Pike Band’.  This special band included his wife, Shirley, and Julie and Jaime Sealock.  He could be seen playing at the Senior Center, various local and church events and nursing homes. He was a CB radio enthusiast with the radio handle of ‘Harry on the hill’.  Harry enjoyed restoring old cars, loved his camping and jamming with family and friends.  Harry was a hardworking, agreeable man who knew no stranger.  He will be greatly missed by all who were blessed with his presence in their lives

Harry is survived by his loving wife, Shirley; children, Kevin (Pat) Kingery of Pittsfield, IL, Bradley (Becky) Kingery of Winchester, IL, Jacqueline ‘Jacky’ (Bill) Minor of Pittsfield, IL, Caroline (David) Wells of Pittsfield, IL, Stanley (Karen) Wismer of Winchester, Joanna Wismer, Linda Heskett; step-children, Robert (Amy) Looper Jr. of Holt, MO, Susan (Sam) Ferguson of Summer Hill, IL; grandchildren, Stephanie (Scott) Ulrich, David (Allison) Kingery, Jacob (Amy) Kingery, Josh (Mandy) Kingery, Jeremiah (Amanda) Kingery, Jonas (Justice) Kingery, Jonathan (Laura) Kingery, Crystal Basnett, Amber (Travis) Ethen, Brittany Valentin,  Sam Wells, Holly Massey, Jessie Wismer, Zak (Cami) Pruett, Jacey Looper, Aaron Looper, Dani Jo Looper, Ellie (Luke) Poage; numerous great grandchildren; one brother, Jack (Willadene) Kingery of Las Vegas, NV.  He was preceded in death by his parents, first wife Thelma; one brother, Bill Kingery; one sister, Betty Smith; one great granddaughter, Blessing Noel.

Services will be held on Wednesday, December 4, 2024, at 12:00 PM at the Niebur Funeral Home in Pittsfield, IL with visitation held prior to the service from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM.  Interment will follow the service at the Blue River Cemetery in Detroit, IL. Memorials are suggested to be made to Carpenters of Christ.  Online condolences may be left to the family at www.nieburfh.com,  Niebur Funeral Home in Pittsfield, IL is handling the arrangements. 

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