Kenneth E. Scranton 1915-2013
Kenneth E. Scranton, 97, of Palatine, passed away Friday, Jan. 18, 2013.
He was born Feb. 4, 1915, in Chicago, to the late Cassius and Nellie (Ducey Cleary). He graduated from Northwestern University in 1937 and from Northwestern Law School in 1940. He completed his Navy officer training at Notre Dame University in South Bend, Ind., and was assigned to a submarine squadron in 1942 operating in the South Pacific and China Straits.
He served in various Cape cities overseas for 34 months, entering the Japanese Navy Base with the U.S. fleet in November 1945. He was honorably discharged from the Navy shortly thereafter, and commenced his law practice as a member of a leading law firm in Chicago. He eventually opened his own law practice until his retirement in 2001 at the age of 86.
He continued to practice law, sitting on various boards until the time of his death. He was extremely proud to state that he was the personal attorney for members of the Wirtz family as well as corporate attorney for Wirtz Corp. and its subsidiaries, which includes the Chicago Blackhawks.
He enjoyed representing a majority of the hockey players of the great teams in the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s. As more or less a corollary to being for the Wirtz interests, he represented the business interest of James D. Norris, business partner of legendary Arthur M. Wirtz. He was an avid cyclist, and as a member of the Wheeling Cycling Club, participated in various "100 milers" in Illinois and Wisconsin. His close friends, Bill Wirtz and Tom Tully, would often comment that "Kenny decided to ride his to and back from Lake Geneva for lunch the other day."
He enjoyed speed skating and would often climb down the frozen rocks surrounding Lake Geneva to skate on the lake well into his 80s. He was loved by many for his wit, humor and charm. While practicing law on LaSalle Street, he was fondly referred to as "Mayor of LaSalle Street" by people who knew him. He met everyone on the street with a smile and a gracious greeting. He was a warm and loving man who will be sorely missed by many, especially his family and dogs.
He was the beloved husband of the late Virginia (Graham); loving father of Dennis, Denise and Debbie; cherished grandfather of Kenneth, Nelle and Gini; devoted extended family, Imelda Hanson, Greg, Anna, Wes, A.J. Grover, Sherry, Jessica and Amy Allen, Stan, Tracy, Erin and Shane Lentz, and Kelly Carson; dedicated and devoted caregiver, Agnes Goncalves; many loving nieces and nephews; and was the brother of the late Eileen McHugh.
For information, call 847-359-8020 or visit www.smithcorcorn.com.