Kenneth R. "Kenny" Fritts (69) of rural Toledo

Kenneth “Kenny” R. Fritts, age 69, of rural Toledo, IL left this life peacefully on Thursday, November 21, 2024, surrounded by his loving family at his home.

Kenny was born April 12, 1955, in Mattoon, IL to Kenneth and Rosemary (Van den Ende) Fritts. On December 14, 1974, he married the love of his life, Roberta A. Swearingen at the Greenup Presbyterian Church.

Survivors include his wife of nearly 50 years, Roberta Fritts of Toledo, IL; children, Kristopher (Selena) Fritts of New Palestine, IN; Kenny (Keiko) Fritts of Japan; Krysten (Lance) Harlan of New Palestine, IN; grandchildren Katie Fritts, Keegan Fritts, Ryoga Fritts, Taiga Fritts, Reina Fritts, Shiina Fritts, Juna Fritts, Coleigh Harlan, Gavin Harlan, Logan Harlan; brothers Kim (Terri) Fritts of Greenup, IL and Kerry (Tami) Fritts of Greenup, IL.

He was preceded in death by his father, Kenneth G. Fritts and mother, Rosemary Fritts.

Kenny was a 1973 graduate of Cumberland High School, where he was homecoming king, and star football player as he received several awards and accolades. He was an Eagle Scout and Scout Master. Kenny, wearing his iconic suspenders, built the family home doing the plumbing, electrical, carpentry, and finishing work with his family. As a master mechanic, electrician, welder, and carpenter, he could fix and build anything he needed. Kenny enjoyed coaching his children in baseball and softball. He loved traveling to watch his grandchildren play baseball and softball. In his spare time, he enjoyed entering BBQ competitions with his son Kristopher, gardening, canning, watching Cumberland Vets softball games, and enjoyed watching nature from his back porch. Over his career, he worked with his father-in-law, Bob Swearingen, at Cottonwood Township, and farming. He worked at Fritts Fertilizer as a spray operator and mechanic with his brother Kim Fritts. Later in his career, he worked at NCI for more than 10 years in maintenance where he designed and built machines. Finally, he worked at Lender’s Bagels for over 20 years as utility operator.

A memorial visitation will be held from 10:00-12:00 on Saturday, December 7, 2024, at Barkley Funeral Chapel in Toledo. A memorial service will be held at 12:00 with a meal following. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Cumberland Vets Softball Organization in care of: Sam Strohl, 530 county road 525 north, Toledo, IL, 62468. Online condolences can be expressed by clicking here.