Kenneth R. Hammond, 84 years young, of Reynolds, Illinois, passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 24, 2026.

Following his wishes, cremation rights have been accorded. In honor of Kenny‘s life and legacy, a celebration of his life will be planned for a later date. We will honor the remarkable man Kenny was and the wonderful impact he had on those around him.

Kenny was born on January 14, 1942, in Columbia, Missouri. He was the beloved son of Hershel and Velma (Ross) Hammond. Kenny graduated from Rock Island High School where he excelled in football and track (Go Rocks!). After finishing high school, he entered an apprenticeship for carpentry where he honed his skills and practiced as a union carpenter for 25 years, working for Langman Construction. During that time, he also used his many creative talents to build his family home in Reynolds, where he lived for 55 years. Thereafter, Kenny took a position as supervisor of maintenance in the Rockridge School District where he worked for 15 years. He concluded his professional journey as a respected truck driver for Gless Brothers in Bluegrass, Iowa. Kenny loved driving a tanker truck and seeing the country, especially the American West. He finally retired at the age of 75.

Kenny had many passions during his lifetime. Early on, he loved playing golf. He especially loved fishing and took many trips to Canada with his brother-in-law, Steve. He also was an archery enthusiast, once earning the title of Illinois State Amateur Archery Champion. Kenny also found joy in coaching and umpiring baseball, as well as delighting in woodworking. Later, he loved cultivating a vibrant vegetable garden and several fruit trees.

Kenny loved camping and would travel west with his family to enjoy many national parks. His greatest passion was weightlifting. He “worked out” at DePaepe’s Gym for over 15 years, making lifelong friendships along the way.

Kenny had 3 children with his former wife, Janet (Hammond) Parker

He leaves behind cherished memories as a loving father to his children: Teresa Hammond, her husband, Doug Doran, Christine Hammond, and Kenneth “Jeff” Hammond and his wife, Kim.

His legacy will also live on through his three grandchildren, Jeffrey Hammond, Devin Doran, and Grace Hammond.

Kenny was preceded in death by his parents, and siblings, including Virginia Turner, Joseph “Joe” Hammond, Virgil “Pete” Hammond, and Judy Mitchell.

Kenny lived a life marked by his love of family and friends. He was kind and generous with his time, skills, and talents. He will be missed by all who knew him.

The family invites, all who knew and loved Kenny to share their condolences, memories, and expressions of sympathy at wheelanpressly.com.

The family would also like to thank Unity Point Hospice for their incredible service, compassion and care of their father, especially Nadia and Alexis. Donations may be made to Unity Point Hospice.

“…….Just another day in paradise……..”