Another article, this one from the Chicago Tribune about our shipmate Ken:
http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2012-10-08/news/ct-met-mcnatt-obit-20121008_1_senior-citizen-seniors-from-elder-abuse-world-war-ii
Ken J McNatt, a decorated WWII Naval pilot and community leader in DuPage county for over 40 years, died on September 4, 2012 at his Wheaton home; he was 91 years old. Ken was born and grew up in Loveland, Colorado. He joined the Navy in 1942 after Pearl Harbor, and became a naval pilot in the Pacific theater. He was recognized for his service which included as a co-pilot; successfully landing of his badly damaged plane after the pilot was shot and killed. He received the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Purple Heart, six Air Medals, the Navy Commendation, the Navy Unit Commendation and American, Asiatic Pacific Campaign and WWII Victory medals. After the war, he finished his college degree at Denver University in 1948. Upon graduation he began his career in sales for Exxon Corporation; he retired in 1983.
He moved to Wheaton in 1965 and began a lifetime of public service which included: President of the Arrowhead Homeowners Association, Precinct Committeeman for 12 years, and Milton Township Trustee for 16 years. He was the founding chairperson for the Milton Township Seniors and Law Enforcement Together (SALT), a group dedicated to reducing crime and abuse of seniors. He was an active member of the Warrenville VFW Post 8081. Probably his most beloved work was with the Warrenville Fire Protection District, where he served for over 36 years. During his tenure, he was instrumental in transforming the unit from a solely volunteer fire protection agency in a small town, to a modern blend of volunteers and staff with the modern equipment to protect the district as its needs and population grew.
Among the awards and recognition that he received were: Illinois State TRIAD Award (2002), Milton Township Achievement Award (2002), Wheaton Good Citizen Award (2009), Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs “Veteran of the Month” (September 2011), Milton Township Appreciation Award (2012), and Trustee Emeritus, Warrenville Fire Protection District (2012).
McNatt is survived by his wife of 58 years, Dolores; two grown daughters Gwen (Chuck Enokian) McNatt of Berwyn and Mary Helen (Bob) Gibson of Sioux City, Iowa, six grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. He is also survived by three nieces and a nephew.
A memorial service will be held on Thursday, September 6 at 7:00 p.m. at Hultgren Funeral Home, 304 N. Main St. in Wheaton, where friends may visit with the family from 4:00 p.m. until the time of the service.
Memorials may be directed to Warrenville Firemen’s Association Benevolent Fund, P.O. Box 51, Warrenville, IL 60555.
Information and guest book is available at www.hultgrenfh.com
Another article, this one from the Chicago Tribune about our shipmate Ken:
http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2012-10-08/news/ct-met-mcnatt-obit-20121008_1_senior-citizen-seniors-from-elder-abuse-world-war-ii
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