Winfred “Wimpy” Kenner passed away peacefully in St. Louis County on May 08, 2026 at the age of 102. Wimpy is survived by his sister Shirley Jackson of Perryville, MO, daughter Karen Watkins of Stallings, NC, son Kerry (Linda) Kenner of Charlotte, NC, grandson Christopher (Sara) Watkins of Waxhaw, NC, great-grandchildren Sophia and Caden Watkins and friend Marilyn Wallace of Arnold, MO.
He was born in Reyno, Arkansas on April 25, 1924. His family moved to St. Louis when he was a child. After graduating McKinley High School, Wimpy joined the US Army in 1943. After basic training at Camp Blanding, FL, he was shipped to North Africa where he joined the Signal Company of the 3rdDivision. From North Africa, Wimpy participated in the battles for Monte Cassino and landings at Anzio in Italy. After the liberation of Rome, he participated in the invasion of Southern France, up the Rhone River to the Vosges Mountains of France. Moving across southern Germany, Wimpy was part of the contingent capturing Berchtesgaden on the German/Austrian border. After the armistice, he spent a few months in Treysa, Germany, leading the rebuilding of their telecommunications infrastructure.
After returning from World War II, he married Jeannette Van Ness on October 19, 1946 in St Louis and raised their children St. Louis County. Wimpy went to work at McDonnell aircraft on April 14, 1948, retiring from McDonnell-Douglas after 37 years, working mostly in the contracts department. Early in his career he attended night school at Washington University to obtain an associate degree. After retirement, he was active in the community, volunteering in several different organizations including University of Missouri St. Louis Extension Council, Jefferson Barracks Powder Magazine Museum and County Older Resident Programs (CORP). In 2010, he was honored with as an Ageless Remarkable Saint Louisan by St. Andrews. He was active in military reunions starting in the 1980’s. In 2005 he was able to travel to Europe to visit some of the sites where he served with the 3rdInfantry Division.
Wimpy was preceded in death by wife, Jeannette, parents Opal and Otis Kenner, stepfather, Harrison Reese, brother William Kenner, sisters Rosemarie Deven and Joyce Kenner, son-in-law Mike Watkins, sisters-in-law, Joanne Trupiano and Jean Van Ness.
SERVICES: a VISITATION will be held on Monday, May 25 from 4-8 pm at Kutis South County Chapel 5255 Lemay Ferry Rd. A FUNERAL SERVICE will be Tuesday, May 26 at 10:30 am. Burial at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery.