In honor of his service as a veteran and for veterans, the late Kenneth Kingrey was honored by the AmVets District 21 of Ohio March 19 at a ceremony at the Lawrence County Courthouse.

Kingrey, a local WWII veteran, died Nov. 6, 2011. He served in the United States Army/Air Force during WWII, coming home from active duty in May 1946.  During his service, he received the Asiatic-Pacific Theater Ribbon with one Bronze Star, the American Theater Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal, and the Victory Medal of WWII.

Kingrey became a Lawrence County Veterans Service Commission board member in January 1999, serving continuously through 2010.  As well as being involved with AmVets, he was also involved in positions of leadership with other veterans organizations including the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion in the service of other veterans until his death.

Kingrey’s sons, Bob Kingrey and Bill Kingrey, attended the ceremony and received a plaque in their late father’s honor. Several state AmVets officials, including AmVets state third vice commander Tom Smith, Sr, with AmVets District 21 Commander Roy Smith presented the plaque. Also in attendance were the Lawrence County Commissioners Les Boggs, Bill Pratt and Freddie Hayes and the oldest WWII veteran in Lawrence County, Eldon Wilson, who is 93 years old.

Since his death, his sons have stepped up to the leadership role of the AmVets Willow Wood Post 141 to keep the post intact and carry on his service to veterans.  Also his daughters are keeping the family business going.