A former South Side alderman died Monday at Little Company of Mary Hospital in south suburban Evergreen Park after a bout with pneumonia.
A former South Side alderman died Monday at Little Company of Mary Hospital in south suburban Evergreen Park after a bout with pneumonia. Tyrone Kenner was alderman of the 3rd Ward from 1971 to 1983 when he was forced out of office after being convicted in federal court for taking bribes. Up until he fell ill, Kenner was an assistant engineer at Cook County Jail, according to Gwen Kenner-Johnson, his first cousin. And while he was honorably discharged from the U.S. Air Force, he later became a boxing promoter. Prior to becoming alderman, Kenner was also a Chicago police officer. He was best known for his champion efforts to improve public housing, particularly at the former Robert Taylor Homes, which was located in his ward. He even moved into one of the high-rise buildings to bring attention to the crime problems that existed there. His efforts paid off when the Chicago Police Department opened a branch office at Robert Taylor to combat crime there firsthand. Johnson said the fondest memory she has of him is his willingness to help others. “He was a very giving man. He would try to help anyone if he could,” she told the Defender. His six children survive Kenner, a single father: Howard Kenner, Rev. Brian Kenner, Renee Kenner-Clay, Kim Wash, Sonja Kenner, and Tonja Kenner. The wake will begin at 1 p.m., followed by the funeral at 2 p.m., May 4 at the Life Center Church of God in Christ, 5500 S. Indiana Ave. A repast will follow funeral services at the Touch Entertainment Center, 14720 S. Halsted St., in south suburban Harvey. In lieu of flowers and gifts, Kenner’s family asks that donations be made in his name to the American Diabetes Association, 30 N. Michigan Ave., Suite 2015, Chicago, IL 60602. ______ Copyright 2009 Chicago Defender. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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