Kenneth Woods

Kenneth Woods was born Aug. 25, 1940 and died Dec. 21, 2024 at the age of 84. 

Ken was the seventh of ten children born to Lawrence and Lois Woods of Anna, both of whom preceded him in death. Also preceding him were four brothers and two sisters, all of Illinois. 

He is survived by three brothers, Gene Woods of Elgin, Ill.; Carl Woods of Anna; and Ray Woods of Elizabethtown, Ill.

Ken and Carol were married in Phoenix, Ariz. on Feb. 14, 1976. Carol survives him after almost 49 years of marriage. They have one son, Andrew (wife Holly) of Pace, Fla.; grandson, Ethan of Bolivar, Mo.; granddaughter Kayleigh and daughter-in-love Lindsay, both of Manhattan, Kan.

Ken was 24 years old when he asked Jesus to come into his heart and be his personal Savior and life leader. In the decades that followed, Ken served in various ministries in the churches of which he was a member: bus ministry director, Sunday school director, and Bible study leader. He also served as a deacon minister and Stephen Ministry encourager for many years at North Phoenix Baptist Church in Arizona. Ken was never happier than when he was helping someone.

Ken spent his career in the manufacturing industry and worked as a quality control manager, both in Elgin, Ill., and Phoenix, Ariz. Supervisors and co-workers alike said he was a man who could be trusted—his word was his bond.

Ken enjoyed working in his yard and growing flowers, especially roses. He was an avid collector of coins and antique clocks, toys and tins. For several years, he and a friend restored old cars in their spare time. He filled bird feeders and especially liked hummingbirds. 

Most of all, Ken enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, delighting in their daily lives and accomplishments. He lived a good life and will be dearly missed.

Ken was an active member of First Baptist Church of Bolivar, Mo. at the time of his death.

Graveside services for Kenneth Woods will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, Feb. 14, at the Anna Cemetery with Ray Gillespie officiating. Inturnment will follow. 

Rendleman and Hileman Funeral Home in Anna is in charge of local arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ken’s honor to the First Baptist Church youth mission fund. Envelopes will be available at the graveside or at Rendleman and Hileman Funeral Home. 

To visit Ken’s memorial page and leave online condolences for his family, please visit the Rendleman and Hileman Funeral Home website at rendlemanhilemanfh.com.