Kenneth Otey Obituary

MARION - Kenneth Gary Otey, 80, of Marion died at 5:08 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2025, in SIH Memorial Hospital of Carbondale.

He served in the U.S. Army and was honorably discharged. He had a 27-year career with the Illinois State Police as a crime scene investigator with the rank of sergeant. He also served as a police sketch artist and spent 19 years on the federal courthouse security team in Benton.

He is survived by his loving wife of more than 59 years, Jan Otey of Marion; his son, David Otey of Belleville; three grandchildren, Keira Otey, Kylie Otey and Gavin Scott; several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, other relatives, and friends

He was preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth Hale and Elnora (Anderson) Otey, and other relatives.

Visitation will be from noon to 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 12, 2025, at Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home. Funeral services will follow at 2 p.m., with Thomas Mann presiding. Burial will follow in Rose Hill Cemetery in Marion. Military honors will be accorded at the graveside by members of the Marion Heyde-Pillow VFW Post 1301 Funeral Honors Detail and the United States Army Funeral Honors Detail.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association or the American Cancer Society. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home, or contributions may be mailed c/o Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home, 900 N. Court St., Marion, IL 62959

To leave an online condolence, visit wilsonmcreynolds.com or call 618-993-2131 for more information.