Kenneth James Hand, 88 years old, of Winigan, Missouri, passed away Saturday, January 30, 2021 at his daughter’s home in Gower, Missouri.
Kenneth was born March 26, 1932 in Paris, Illinois to Fred and Ina (Grisham) Hand. In 1966 he married Charlene (Olson) Hand, she preceded him in death in 2008. He was also preceded by: His parents; a son, Kenneth James Hand, Jr., and two brothers, Carl Hand and Arthur Hand.
Kenneth is survived by: one daughter, Dawn and husband Jeff Smith of Gower, Missouri; grandsons, Fletcher (Bonnie) Smith and Mitchel (Maria) Smith; four sisters, Freda Presswood of Winigan, Rita Shaver of Wilmington, Illinois, Nora Schmitt of Joliet, Illinois, and Alta Kasten of Winigan, Missouri; and several nieces and nephews.
Kenneth lived in Rockdale, Illinois for 25 years before moving to Winigan in 1988. He was a veteran, serving in the United States Army during the Korean War, receiving a Bronze Star, the United Nations Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and Combat Infantry Badge. Kenneth worked for 10 years at E.J.E. Railroad, then 4 years as yard master for Uniroyal and 15 years for Mobil Oil Co. Refinery, retiring in 1987.
Kenneth was a member of the Winigan First Baptist Church and was very active in the church and Winigan community affairs. He enjoyed woodworking and was an All-American Craftsman. He was known far and wife for his woodworking skills, making cradles, clocks, picture frames, and custom furniture.
A funeral service for Kenneth will be held 11:00 AM, Saturday, February 6, 2021 at the First Baptist Church in Winigan. Burial will follow at the Winigan Cemetery with Military Rites. A visitation is scheduled for one hour prior to the service, starting at 10:00 AM. Ruschmeier Funeral Home in Green City is handling arrangements.
Memorial contributions are suggested to the Winigan Community Center.