Kenneth F. Hood

Kenneth F. Hood, 81, of Topeka, passed away Sunday, February 17, 2013. He was born June 20, 1931 in Killbuck Township, OH, the son of Thomas and Mary Hood.

Ken was raised in Chicago, IL, where he attended Harrison Technical High School, graduating in 1948. He received his BS degree in Pharmacy from the University of Illinois in 1952. Ken served in the U.S. Army, stationed at Ft. Riley. It was during his time at Ft. Riley that he met his future wife Joan, who was an elementary school teacher in Wilson, KS. Ken married Joan Loop on May 29, 1955 at Grand Avenue Methodist Church in Salina.

Ken and Joan moved to Topeka for Ken to pursue his career in pharmacy. He thoroughly loved his career beginning at Blaylock's Pharmacy, then at Santa Fe Hospital (later Memorial Hospital), and continuing with Dillon's Pharmacy, from which he retired. He developed many lasting friendships and relished the opportunity to help people as a pharmacist.

Ken enjoyed spending time with his movie group, fellow church members, and other friends. He was a fisherman, collector and avid reader. Ken was a long-time member of the Southwest Optimist Club, where he participated in many philanthropic efforts, including tree lot sales, and served as secretary for the Club. He was a loyal KU fan, ushering at football and basketball games for many years. Ken and Joan traveled widely, enjoying foreign cruises and trips to visit family across the country. He was a loving father, who always made time to support his children while also helping Joan live with MS for almost 40 years. He was a devoted grandfather, who cherished spending time with his grandchildren at parks, zoos, and the circus, early in their lives, and watching them mature into young adults.

Ken is survived by his son, Scott (and his wife Susan), of Leawood, KS; daughter, Susan of St. Louis, MO; grandchildren, Alexander, Addison, and Andrew of Leawood, KS; sister, Phyllis Hood of Chicago, IL; and many nieces and nephews. Ken was preceded in death by his wife Joan, on March 28, 2011; his parents; sisters, Patricia Davies and Dolores Scott; and brother, Alfred.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, March 8, 2013 at Countryside United Methodist Church. A visitation will precede the memorial service at 10:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, please make memorial contributions to Countryside United Methodist Church.