Kendall Lee Furniss, 87, of Media, Illinois, passed away at 9:23 a.m. Sunday, July 7, 2024, at his home. He was born August 16, 1936, in Prairie City, Illinois, the son of Robert and Julia Irene VanVelsor Baker. On July 13, 1958, he married Shirley May Avery in Stronghurst, Illinois.
Kendall was a lab technician for the Maytag Corporation, retiring in 2001. He also worked for the Iowa Army Ammunition plant in Middletown, Iowa, and was a janitor for the Media schools for several years. He loved playing pool, was a gifted artist, and enjoyed mowing and yard work. His family was the most important part of his life, and he loved spending time with them. He was a member of the Media Community United Presbyterian Church.
Survivors include his wife, three daughters: Pamela Smith and Betsy (Bob) Troutman, both of West Burlington, IA, Cynthia (John) Link of Media, IL, one son: Mark (Lori) Furniss of Terre Haute, IN, ten grandchildren, and 17 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and three brothers: Robert Furniss, Donald Baker, and Ronald Baker.
A Celebration of Life service will be held at 10:00 a.m., on Saturday, July 27, 2024, at St. Patrick’s Community Center near Raritan, Illinois. There will be a brunch and time for fellowship with family and friends following the service. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established and will be designated later. Banks & Beals Funeral Home of Stronghurst is assisting the family. Please visit Kendall’s obituary at banksandbeals.com to leave a condolence.
