AVA, Kenneth G. Fernandez, 62, of Ava, passed away at 5:33 P.M. Saturday, April 04, 2009, at St. Ann's Healthcare Center in Chester, IL. He was born September 20, 1946 in Brighton, Colorado the son of Ernesto Fernandez and Rebecca (Aragon) Fernandez. Kenneth married Theresa L Boyce on December 19, 1998 in First Apostolic Church of Ava. He is survived by his wife Theresa L. Fernandez of Ava, IL; children: Eric and Anna Fernandez of Vacaville, CA, Tonya and Kevin Santistevan of Vacaville, CA, Step-daughter: Dawn Gibson of Cape Girardeau, MO; Seven grandchildren: Alberto, Anthony, E.J., Marina, Distiney, Mystic and Elway; two great grandchildren: Antonyio and Jayla; Ten Step Grandchildren: Kaylee, C.J., Harold, Jordon, Jason, Brandon, Austin, Jasmine, Mason, and Jonathon; Seven brothers: Ben Cordova of Alabama, Gilbert Fernandez of O'Fallon, IL, Bob Fernandez of Vallejo, CA, Rudy Fernandez of Vallejo, CA, Stanley Fernandez of Vallejo, CA, Wayne Fernandez of Sacramento, Ca, Ron Fernandez of Vallejo, CA; one sister: Rena Newton of Ava, IL; Numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents and one sister Susan. Kenneth served in the U.S. Marines during Vietnam Conflict and he also worked as a correctional officer at the Menard Correctional Center in Chester, Illinois. He was a former member of the American Legion Post #2910. Funeral services will be held April 9, 2009 at 11:00 A.M. at Wilson's Funeral Home in Ava. Rev. Clayton Yoakum will be officiating. Visitation will be held at Wilson's Funeral Home, Ava on Wednesday from 6-8pm and on Thursday from 7:30am until hour of service. Memorials may be made to the family.