Alonzo Homer Kenniebrew
January 30, 1932 — January 9, 2017
Alonzo Homer Kenniebrew, a man of many talents and an abiding faith was born into an adoring extended family on January 30, 1932 in Evanston, IL. “Junior” was the celebrated first born to the union of Jessie Mae Schultz Kenniebrew and Dr. Alonzo Homer Kenniebrew. Two years later, the family, now including “Baby Sis” Charlotte, relocated to Springfield, IL. Soon the family divided its time between Springfield and Jacksonville, IL where Dr. Kenniebrew had his practice and several other businesses. It was there; at his father’s side that Alonzo first developed an interest in science and the medical arts.
Alonzo grew into a talented athlete at Springfield High School where he lettered in football, basketball and track. After graduation in 1950, he attended Carthage College on a football scholarship. While at Carthage, Alonzo earned multiple letters in four sports: Football, Track, Basketball and Boxing. He was All-Conference in Football and Track; and, in his senior year, received the Governor’s Heavyweight Championship Trophy. His athletic achievements would later be recognized by inclusion in the initial inductees of the Carthage College Athletic Hall of Fame. In addition to his athletics at Carthage, Alonzo was also a four–year member of the Student Council, Vice Chair of the Circle K Club (campus Kiwanis) and Senior Class President. His outstanding record of achievement, scholarship and athletics earned him recognition in Who’s Who of College Students and the Springfield NAACP’s Webster Plaque. Alonzo H. Kenniebrew graduated from Carthage College in 1954 with a Bachelors of Science in Biology and Chemistry.
Setting aside a professional athletic career but not athletic excellence, Alonzo was called to serve during the Korean Conflict. He was on the Army boxing and football teams and was an instructor in both boxing and wrestling while stationed in Japan. Upon his return, Alonzo enrolled in the University of Illinois-Champaign Master’s Program in Bio Chemistry, rooming with his brother-in law, Cyrus E. Johnson.
Alonzo married Vondell Lee Joyner, a Decatur, IL native and graduate of Springfield’s St John’s Hospital School of Nursing in July of 1958. They settled in Chicago where Alonzo worked in Allergy Research at Northwestern University then in tuberculosis vaccine research at the University of Illinois-Chicago from 1959 to 1968. He was credited for the clinical research in developing the tuberculosis preventative BCG vaccine with Dr Sal Rosenthal, MD, PhD. In 1969 Alonzo became involved in long term healthcare and began a career in nursing home administration in Chicago and Peoria. He served as president of the Illinois Sheltered Care/Long Term Health Care Facility Association. Alonzo and Vondell raised their daughters, Bridgid and Karen in the Chicago suburbs. Together the couple shared their work in Shelter Care facilities, and their involvement in the Catholic Church. Alonzo was an active member of the Knights of Columbus. They divorced in 1984.
While working in Peoria, IL Alonzo met Bonnie Rose Wainwright. They married in August 1985. Soon, their daughter Ashley joined the family which included Bonnie’s teenage son Blake. Relocated to Waukegan, IL, the family became committed members of the First United Methodist Church and Alonzo applied his skills to the insurance industry. As an Aflac representative, he won many awards and in recognition traveled widely. He particularly enjoyed Vancouver, BC, Canada.
In 2007, Bonnie’s recovery from a stroke became the focus of Alonzo’s determination and attentive care. After moving to Park Vista Assisted Living in East Moline, IL they spent five years enjoying the activities and fellowship of new friends, family and the Church of the Cross United Methodist Church in Port Byron, IL. Despite declining health Alonzo walked Ashley down the aisle August 8, 2015. He took great pride and interest in the welfare of his children, grands and great grands. Alonzo’s health took a sudden downturn in October 2016. Following a day of visits from adoring extended family members; Alonzo passed peacefully on January 9, 2017.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Jessie Mae Schultz Kenniebrew Finley; father, Dr Alonzo H Kenniebrew; stepfather, Theo Elbridge Finley; and, half-sister, LeNora Kenniebrew Brown.
Alonzo is survived by his spouse, Bonnie Rose Wainwright Kenniebrew;
his daughters Bridgid Ann Kenniebrew Steele (Orendeff), Karen Sue Kenniebrew Fayson, Ashley Kenniebrew Easterwood (Vincent) and, step son, Blake DeArmond (Joi); grandchildren Tiffany Marie Davis Gutierrez (Marvin), Bridgid Ryan Fayson Milenkovski (Andrew), Alexander Steele, Michael Fayson, Marie Steele, Matthew Fayson, Kai Easterwood and, Amanda DeArmond; great grandsons Isaiah Gutierrez, Andrew Milenkovski, Jr, Josiah Gutierrez and, Alekzander Milenkovski; his sister Charlotte Kenniebrew Johnson; former spouse, Vondell Joyner Kenniebrew Boone; family and friends.