In Loving Memory of Ethan Shawn Charles Kilgore (2009 – 2025)
With deep sorrow and broken hearts, we announce the untimely passing of Ethan Shawn Charles Kilgore of Alvin, Illinois, who departed this world on June 3, 2025, at the tender age of 16. A vibrant, kind-hearted, and deeply loved young man, Ethan’s life was a gift to all who knew him, and his loss is felt profoundly across his family, community, and among friends far and wide.
Ethan was the beloved son of Jennifer Walton, and a devoted brother, grandson, cousin, and friend. From a young age, Ethan stood out for his gentle nature, quiet strength, and a light in his eyes that seemed to promise so much. He carried himself with sincerity beyond his years and had a heart open to everyone — the kind of person who made others feel seen, heard, and cared for.
To his siblings, Ethan was a constant companion, a source of laughter, and a steady presence. To his mother, he was a blessing — a young man full of promise, depth, and love. His grandparents recall his warmth, his inquisitive mind, and the way he could brighten a room just by walking into it. Friends and classmates remember him as a loyal friend, someone who was always ready with a kind word, a helping hand, or a goofy joke to lift the mood.
Ethan loved life in the small, close-knit community of Alvin. He found joy in nature, music, gaming, and time spent with family and friends. Though his time on earth was far too short, he lived each moment with sincerity and heart. There was an authenticity to Ethan — he was exactly who he said he was, and that rare genuineness made him someone others could trust, lean on, and love deeply.
In his sixteen years, Ethan left an indelible mark on the lives around him. He had dreams, passions, and a future that many believed would be as bright as his spirit. Though that future was cut short, his legacy lives on — not just in memory, but in the way he made people feel and the goodness he left behind.
Ethan is survived by his loving mother Jennifer Walton, his siblings, grandparents, extended family, and countless friends whose lives he enriched. They will hold on tightly to the memories they shared — his laugh, his hugs, his thoughtful nature, and his unwavering love.
A visitation to honor Ethan’s life will be held on June 9th from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at The Rock Church in Danville, Illinois. All who knew and loved Ethan are welcome to come pay their respects and support one another in remembering a life that, while brief, was so beautifully lived.
As we mourn this heartbreaking loss, let us also celebrate the light Ethan brought to this world. May his soul rest peacefully, and may his memory continue to guide and inspire all who were blessed to know him.
Rest in peace, Ethan. You were deeply loved, and you will never be forgotten.