A lifelong resident of Waterman, Kenneth Irvin Liddick passed away peacefully at his home on Saturday, April 19, 2025, surrounded by his loving daughters. He was 95 years old.

Kenneth was born to John Irvin and Sara Edith (Parkins) Liddick, in a small hospital at the corner of Elm and Garfield, a short distance from the family home at 150 Elm St., where he spent his childhood.  In 1948, after graduating from Waterman High School, Kenneth enlisted in the Army alongside lifelong buddies, Herb Leifheit and Dick Gilchrist, as well as his best friend, Ray Hartman, who joined the Marines.

Following his military service, Kenneth married Gladys Marie Poff on August 15, 1953, at First United Methodist Church in DeKalb. They built their life together at 225 N. Elm St., where he resided for 66 years and raised their two daughters.

In the 1950s, demonstrating his entrepreneurial spirit, he established "The Waterman Decorators." After many years as a respected painter serving the DeKalb County area, he transitioned his skills to Northern Illinois University, where he worked in the trades until his retirement in 1992.

Kenneth was a devoted son and brother to Marilyn (Jerry) Martinson. He was also a brother-in-law to James (Ruby) Poff and Cletus (Dean) Poff, and a cherished nephew, cousin, and uncle to numerous relatives. Ken’s first love was always family, but he was also an avid sportsman with a passion for hunting and, especially, fishing. He also enjoyed league bowling and spending time on the golf course. A lifelong Cubs fan, he was overjoyed by their 2016 World Series victory!

He is survived by his daughters, Cynthia (Martin) Voss of Glen Ellyn and Karen (Craig) House of Royal Palm Beach, Florida; his grandchildren, Ryan (Lauren) Voss, Dustin Voss, Jacquelyn (Ben) Johnson, Patrick Colin (Theresa) Fagan, and Kendall House; and his great-grandchildren, Reed Voss, Sula Voss, Walter Liddick Johnson, and Lucy Johnson.

Kenneth was preceded in death by his beloved wife Gladys, his parents, his sister, and many cherished friends.

Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, April 28, 2025, at Waterman United Methodist Church, 210 West Garfield Street, Waterman, IL 60556. Interment of his cremated remains will take place at a later date at Fairview Park Cemetery in DeKalb.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in memory of Kenneth Irvin Liddick may be made to the Waterman United Methodist Church and sent in care of Anderson Funeral Home, P.O. Box 605, 2011 South Fourth Street, DeKalb, IL 60115.