Kenneth Bryson, 78, of Urbana, formerly of St. Joseph, passed away at 9:17 a.m., Sunday, May 12, 2013 at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana. A visitation will be held Wednesday, May 15, 2013 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Renner-Wikoff Chapel and Crematory, 1900 S. Philo Rd., Urbana. A funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, May 16, 2013 at the First Church of the Nazarene, 2403 W. Kirby Ave., Champaign. Rev. James High will officiate. Burial will be held at Mt. Olive Cemetery, Mayview.

Mr. Bryson was born November 10, 1934 in Shelbyville, Illinois to parents Arthur and Ruby (Helton) Bryson. He married Judith March February 10, 1962 in Villa Grove, Illinois; she survives.

Also surviving are son; Jerry Bryson (Gina), of Urbana, daughter; Kris Steele (Dan), of Homer, brother; Richard Bryson (Patty), sister; Sue Ann Bauer, grandchildren; Cindee Roberts (Brandon), Nick Bryson, Bryson Steele, Laney Steele, and great-grandchild; Atticus Roberts. Ken was preceded in death by his parents.

After graduating from Effingham High School, Ken became a plumber and was a member of the Plumber and Steamfitter's Union Local #149. He used his skills as a plumber when he entered the U.S. Navy in 1956. While in the Navy, he was a pipe fitter, ship fitter, and welder. After his service, Ken continued his work as a plumber and received recognition for working more than 60 years.

Mr. Bryson was an active member of the First Church of the Nazarene, serving on the church board and teaching the senior Sunday school class. He especially enjoyed cooking for church functions and taking care of the children in the nursery.

When asked how he was doing, Ken would often reply, "Handsome, charming, and adorable. Anything else - ask my wife!" He was a jokester and enjoyed his social time. He liked drinking coffee with his friends at the McDonald's on Philo Rd., watching NASCAR races, and fishing. Although somewhat of a tough guy, Ken melted when he visited with his grandchildren.

Mr. Bryson was deeply loved by his family and will be greatly missed.

Memorial contributions may be made in Ken's honor to the First Church of the Nazarene. Condolences may be offered online at www.renner-wikoffchapel.com.