C. Kenneth Hill, Jr., 91, retired Hardin-Simmons University Director of Alumni Affairs, who spent 23 years on the administrative staff at the Baptist University, passed away peacefully on Thursday, November 6, 2008. The family will receive friends from 2:00 to 4:00 PM on Sunday, November 9, 2008, at The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road. Graveside services will be at 11:00 AM on Monday, November 10, 2008, at Elmwood Memorial Park. A Celebration of Life will be held on Kenneth's 92nd birthday, Monday, November 10, 2008, at 2:00 PM at First Baptist Church sanctuary. Dr. Phil Christopher will officiate.
Kenneth retired from Hardin-Simmons with full disability in 1978 as the result of a massive stroke. The years following his early retirement were spent traveling extensively with his wife, Betty, as well as mastering the art of painting with his left hand, producing hundreds of creations that he gave to friends and family. Although the stroke took Kenneth's ability to speak, he continued to sing with Betty, performing for numerous banquets and church gatherings, as well as in church choirs. Kenneth continued to be an amazing communicator, even though he couldn't talk. He was loved by so many, and his victorious spirit and love of life and people led him to live his life, under all circumstances, to the fullest.
Kenneth was born on November 10, 1916, in Cowan, Franklin County, TN. Military service led him and his wife to Abilene and West Texas at the end of World War II. He and his wife, the former Mildred Elizabeth (Betty) Loveless, were married May 27, 1939, in Chattanooga, TN. She earned a degree from HSU and retired from HSU's mathematics department faculty.
Kenneth received his bachelor's degree from Hardin-Simmons in 1948. He served as alumni relations director from 1947 to 1955, becoming part-time executive secretary of the HSU Alumni Association as a senior student.
Kenneth left HSU in 1955 to accept a position as director of music and education at First Baptist Church, Littlefield, TX. In 1957 he became director of activities at the growing First Baptist Church of Lubbock. In the Lubbock congregation he directed all educational programs for college students, married young adults and single adults. He also assisted in the planning and building of the FBC Activities Building, one of the first family life centers to be built in the early 1960's. With the completion of the new building, he became director of the recreation ministry for the church.
In 1962, Kenneth returned to HSU as director of alumni affairs and later served as director of recruitment, director of student financial aid, and associate in university relations. He resumed the position of director of alumni affairs in 1972, a position he held until his retirement. He served as editor of HSU's alumni publication, The Range Rider, for a number of years.
In addition to his work with Hardin-Simmons, Kenneth also served as music and education minister at churches in Abilene, Ballinger, and Hamlin, as well as Avondale Baptist Church in Chattanooga, TN. Throughout the years, he also served as interim director of music for many area churches.
Kenneth Hill was the recipient of Hardin-Simmons' John J. Keeter, Jr. Alumni Award in November of 1990 and the Former Staff Member of the Year Award in 1995. Hill served as president of the Texas Baptist Public Relations Association and as vice president of the Founders Lions Club. He was also an active member of the Abilene Chamber of Commerce Redcoats and was to serve as president at the time of his early retirement. The 29th annual HSU Intercollegiate Rodeo was dedicated to Kenneth in 1975. He was a longtime sponsor of the Rangers' service organization at HSU, which established a scholarship in his honor.
Kenneth was employed by the Tennessee Valley Authority as an engineering draftsman before entering the U.S. Army Air Corps in 1942. After completing officers training in 1943, he served as an ordnance officer with the Eighth U.S. Air Force in England for two years. He was a special services and bomb disposal officer for the 93rd Bomb Group, stationed near Norwich, England.
With victory in Europe by the Allies, he returned to the United States and was assigned to assist in deactivation of the Tye Air Force Base near Abilene. Following active duty, he remained in the Reserves and attained the rank of major before his retirement. He was the recipient of the Legion of Merit and Combat Stars with clusters for military zone participation during World War II.
Both of the Hills were active members at Abilene's First Baptist Church. They served as head of the Senior Citizen Committee, were active leaders and participants in the "Live Long and Love It" senior's organization, and sang in the senior choir, Majestic Sounds. In recent years, Kenneth and Betty were members of the Party Line Bible Class of First Baptist Church for homebound members. Kenneth served as a deacon, and was deacon emeritus at the time of his death.
Kenneth was preceded in death by his mother, father, and brother.
Survivors include his wife, Betty of the home; daughters Sarah (Rob) Mulkey and Susan (Paul) Stuerzenberger; three grandchildren; three great grandchildren; sister Audean Rivers; sister-in-law Marcella Hill.
Memorials in Kenneth's honor can be directed to the Kenneth Hill Scholarship Endowment Fund at Hardin-Simmons University, 2200 Hickory Street, Abilene, TX, 79601.
Kenneth retired from Hardin-Simmons with full disability in 1978 as the result of a massive stroke. The years following his early retirement were spent traveling extensively with his wife, Betty, as well as mastering the art of painting with his left hand, producing hundreds of creations that he gave to friends and family. Although the stroke took Kenneth's ability to speak, he continued to sing with Betty, performing for numerous banquets and church gatherings, as well as in church choirs. Kenneth continued to be an amazing communicator, even though he couldn't talk. He was loved by so many, and his victorious spirit and love of life and people led him to live his life, under all circumstances, to the fullest.
Kenneth was born on November 10, 1916, in Cowan, Franklin County, TN. Military service led him and his wife to Abilene and West Texas at the end of World War II. He and his wife, the former Mildred Elizabeth (Betty) Loveless, were married May 27, 1939, in Chattanooga, TN. She earned a degree from HSU and retired from HSU's mathematics department faculty.
Kenneth received his bachelor's degree from Hardin-Simmons in 1948. He served as alumni relations director from 1947 to 1955, becoming part-time executive secretary of the HSU Alumni Association as a senior student.
Kenneth left HSU in 1955 to accept a position as director of music and education at First Baptist Church, Littlefield, TX. In 1957 he became director of activities at the growing First Baptist Church of Lubbock. In the Lubbock congregation he directed all educational programs for college students, married young adults and single adults. He also assisted in the planning and building of the FBC Activities Building, one of the first family life centers to be built in the early 1960's. With the completion of the new building, he became director of the recreation ministry for the church.
In 1962, Kenneth returned to HSU as director of alumni affairs and later served as director of recruitment, director of student financial aid, and associate in university relations. He resumed the position of director of alumni affairs in 1972, a position he held until his retirement. He served as editor of HSU's alumni publication, The Range Rider, for a number of years.
In addition to his work with Hardin-Simmons, Kenneth also served as music and education minister at churches in Abilene, Ballinger, and Hamlin, as well as Avondale Baptist Church in Chattanooga, TN. Throughout the years, he also served as interim director of music for many area churches.
Kenneth Hill was the recipient of Hardin-Simmons' John J. Keeter, Jr. Alumni Award in November of 1990 and the Former Staff Member of the Year Award in 1995. Hill served as president of the Texas Baptist Public Relations Association and as vice president of the Founders Lions Club. He was also an active member of the Abilene Chamber of Commerce Redcoats and was to serve as president at the time of his early retirement. The 29th annual HSU Intercollegiate Rodeo was dedicated to Kenneth in 1975. He was a longtime sponsor of the Rangers' service organization at HSU, which established a scholarship in his honor.
Kenneth was employed by the Tennessee Valley Authority as an engineering draftsman before entering the U.S. Army Air Corps in 1942. After completing officers training in 1943, he served as an ordnance officer with the Eighth U.S. Air Force in England for two years. He was a special services and bomb disposal officer for the 93rd Bomb Group, stationed near Norwich, England.
With victory in Europe by the Allies, he returned to the United States and was assigned to assist in deactivation of the Tye Air Force Base near Abilene. Following active duty, he remained in the Reserves and attained the rank of major before his retirement. He was the recipient of the Legion of Merit and Combat Stars with clusters for military zone participation during World War II.
Both of the Hills were active members at Abilene's First Baptist Church. They served as head of the Senior Citizen Committee, were active leaders and participants in the "Live Long and Love It" senior's organization, and sang in the senior choir, Majestic Sounds. In recent years, Kenneth and Betty were members of the Party Line Bible Class of First Baptist Church for homebound members. Kenneth served as a deacon, and was deacon emeritus at the time of his death.
Kenneth was preceded in death by his mother, father, and brother.
Survivors include his wife, Betty of the home; daughters Sarah (Rob) Mulkey and Susan (Paul) Stuerzenberger; three grandchildren; three great grandchildren; sister Audean Rivers; sister-in-law Marcella Hill.
Memorials in Kenneth's honor can be directed to the Kenneth Hill Scholarship Endowment Fund at Hardin-Simmons University, 2200 Hickory Street, Abilene, TX, 79601.
C. Kenneth Hill, Jr., 91, retired Hardin-Simmons University Director of Alumni Affairs, who spent 23 years on the administrative staff at the Baptist University, passed away peacefully on Thursday, November 6, 2008. The family will receive friends from 2:00 to 4:00 PM on Sunday, November 9, 2008, at The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road. Graveside services will be at 11:00 AM on Monday, November 10, 2008, at Elmwood Memorial Park. A Celebration of Life will be held on Kenneth's 92nd birthday, Monday, November 10, 2008, at 2:00 PM at First Baptist Church sanctuary. Dr. Phil Christopher will officiate.
Kenneth retired from Hardin-Simmons with full disability in 1978 as the result of a massive stroke. The years following his early retirement were spent traveling extensively with his wife, Betty, as well as mastering the art of painting with his left hand, producing hundreds of creations that he gave to friends and family. Although the stroke took Kenneth's ability to speak, he continued to sing with Betty, performing for numerous banquets and church gatherings, as well as in church choirs. Kenneth continued to be an amazing communicator, even though he couldn't talk. He was loved by so many, and his victorious spirit and love of life and people led him to live his life, under all circumstances, to the fullest.
Kenneth was born on November 10, 1916, in Cowan, Franklin County, TN. Military service led him and his wife to Abilene and West Texas at the end of World War II. He and his wife, the former Mildred Elizabeth (Betty) Loveless, were married May 27, 1939, in Chattanooga, TN. She earned a degree from HSU and retired from HSU's mathematics department faculty.
Kenneth received his bachelor's degree from Hardin-Simmons in 1948. He served as alumni relations director from 1947 to 1955, becoming part-time executive secretary of the HSU Alumni Association as a senior student.
Kenneth left HSU in 1955 to accept a position as director of music and education at First Baptist Church, Littlefield, TX. In 1957 he became director of activities at the growing First Baptist Church of Lubbock. In the Lubbock congregation he directed all educational programs for college students, married young adults and single adults. He also assisted in the planning and building of the FBC Activities Building, one of the first family life centers to be built in the early 1960's. With the completion of the new building, he became director of the recreation ministry for the church.
In 1962, Kenneth returned to HSU as director of alumni affairs and later served as director of recruitment, director of student financial aid, and associate in university relations. He resumed the position of director of alumni affairs in 1972, a position he held until his retirement. He served as editor of HSU's alumni publication, The Range Rider, for a number of years.
In addition to his work with Hardin-Simmons, Kenneth also served as music and education minister at churches in Abilene, Ballinger, and Hamlin, as well as Avondale Baptist Church in Chattanooga, TN. Throughout the years, he also served as interim director of music for many area churches.
Kenneth Hill was the recipient of Hardin-Simmons' John J. Keeter, Jr. Alumni Award in November of 1990 and the Former Staff Member of the Year Award in 1995. Hill served as president of the Texas Baptist Public Relations Association and as vice president of the Founders Lions Club. He was also an active member of the Abilene Chamber of Commerce Redcoats and was to serve as president at the time of his early retirement. The 29th annual HSU Intercollegiate Rodeo was dedicated to Kenneth in 1975. He was a longtime sponsor of the Rangers' service organization at HSU, which established a scholarship in his honor.
Kenneth was employed by the Tennessee Valley Authority as an engineering draftsman before entering the U.S. Army Air Corps in 1942. After completing officers training in 1943, he served as an ordnance officer with the Eighth U.S. Air Force in England for two years. He was a special services and bomb disposal officer for the 93rd Bomb Group, stationed near Norwich, England.
With victory in Europe by the Allies, he returned to the United States and was assigned to assist in deactivation of the Tye Air Force Base near Abilene. Following active duty, he remained in the Reserves and attained the rank of major before his retirement. He was the recipient of the Legion of Merit and Combat Stars with clusters for military zone participation during World War II.
Both of the Hills were active members at Abilene's First Baptist Church. They served as head of the Senior Citizen Committee, were active leaders and participants in the "Live Long and Love It" senior's organization, and sang in the senior choir, Majestic Sounds. In recent years, Kenneth and Betty were members of the Party Line Bible Class of First Baptist Church for homebound members. Kenneth served as a deacon, and was deacon emeritus at the time of his death.
Kenneth was preceded in death by his mother, father, and brother.
Survivors include his wife, Betty of the home; daughters Sarah (Rob) Mulkey and Susan (Paul) Stuerzenberger; three grandchildren; three great grandchildren; sister Audean Rivers; sister-in-law Marcella Hill.
Memorials in Kenneth's honor can be directed to the Kenneth Hill Scholarship Endowment Fund at Hardin-Simmons University, 2200 Hickory Street, Abilene, TX, 79601.
Kenneth retired from Hardin-Simmons with full disability in 1978 as the result of a massive stroke. The years following his early retirement were spent traveling extensively with his wife, Betty, as well as mastering the art of painting with his left hand, producing hundreds of creations that he gave to friends and family. Although the stroke took Kenneth's ability to speak, he continued to sing with Betty, performing for numerous banquets and church gatherings, as well as in church choirs. Kenneth continued to be an amazing communicator, even though he couldn't talk. He was loved by so many, and his victorious spirit and love of life and people led him to live his life, under all circumstances, to the fullest.
Kenneth was born on November 10, 1916, in Cowan, Franklin County, TN. Military service led him and his wife to Abilene and West Texas at the end of World War II. He and his wife, the former Mildred Elizabeth (Betty) Loveless, were married May 27, 1939, in Chattanooga, TN. She earned a degree from HSU and retired from HSU's mathematics department faculty.
Kenneth received his bachelor's degree from Hardin-Simmons in 1948. He served as alumni relations director from 1947 to 1955, becoming part-time executive secretary of the HSU Alumni Association as a senior student.
Kenneth left HSU in 1955 to accept a position as director of music and education at First Baptist Church, Littlefield, TX. In 1957 he became director of activities at the growing First Baptist Church of Lubbock. In the Lubbock congregation he directed all educational programs for college students, married young adults and single adults. He also assisted in the planning and building of the FBC Activities Building, one of the first family life centers to be built in the early 1960's. With the completion of the new building, he became director of the recreation ministry for the church.
In 1962, Kenneth returned to HSU as director of alumni affairs and later served as director of recruitment, director of student financial aid, and associate in university relations. He resumed the position of director of alumni affairs in 1972, a position he held until his retirement. He served as editor of HSU's alumni publication, The Range Rider, for a number of years.
In addition to his work with Hardin-Simmons, Kenneth also served as music and education minister at churches in Abilene, Ballinger, and Hamlin, as well as Avondale Baptist Church in Chattanooga, TN. Throughout the years, he also served as interim director of music for many area churches.
Kenneth Hill was the recipient of Hardin-Simmons' John J. Keeter, Jr. Alumni Award in November of 1990 and the Former Staff Member of the Year Award in 1995. Hill served as president of the Texas Baptist Public Relations Association and as vice president of the Founders Lions Club. He was also an active member of the Abilene Chamber of Commerce Redcoats and was to serve as president at the time of his early retirement. The 29th annual HSU Intercollegiate Rodeo was dedicated to Kenneth in 1975. He was a longtime sponsor of the Rangers' service organization at HSU, which established a scholarship in his honor.
Kenneth was employed by the Tennessee Valley Authority as an engineering draftsman before entering the U.S. Army Air Corps in 1942. After completing officers training in 1943, he served as an ordnance officer with the Eighth U.S. Air Force in England for two years. He was a special services and bomb disposal officer for the 93rd Bomb Group, stationed near Norwich, England.
With victory in Europe by the Allies, he returned to the United States and was assigned to assist in deactivation of the Tye Air Force Base near Abilene. Following active duty, he remained in the Reserves and attained the rank of major before his retirement. He was the recipient of the Legion of Merit and Combat Stars with clusters for military zone participation during World War II.
Both of the Hills were active members at Abilene's First Baptist Church. They served as head of the Senior Citizen Committee, were active leaders and participants in the "Live Long and Love It" senior's organization, and sang in the senior choir, Majestic Sounds. In recent years, Kenneth and Betty were members of the Party Line Bible Class of First Baptist Church for homebound members. Kenneth served as a deacon, and was deacon emeritus at the time of his death.
Kenneth was preceded in death by his mother, father, and brother.
Survivors include his wife, Betty of the home; daughters Sarah (Rob) Mulkey and Susan (Paul) Stuerzenberger; three grandchildren; three great grandchildren; sister Audean Rivers; sister-in-law Marcella Hill.
Memorials in Kenneth's honor can be directed to the Kenneth Hill Scholarship Endowment Fund at Hardin-Simmons University, 2200 Hickory Street, Abilene, TX, 79601.
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