Kenneth Walter Williams

Kenny Williams, beloved father, grandfather, and great grandfather, and longtime member of the Hillsboro Country Club went to be with the Lord on Friday, March 1, 2024 at 12:09 a.m. at Tremont Ridge Assisted Living in Hillsboro, IL, just short of his 101st birthday.

Visitation will be held Saturday, March 23, 2024 from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. at Bass Patton Dean Funeral Home in Hillsboro, IL with the funeral service to follow at 11:00 a.m. Rev. Breck Nelson, Pastor of First Baptist Church in Hillsboro, IL will officiate. Rev. Ralph Ward will offer a prayer. Burial will be in Oak Grove Cemetery in Hillsboro, IL. Military Rites will be accorded at his graveside.

Kenny was not only a talented golfer, who you could find on the golf course almost every day, but a delight to be around. He would meet his buddies at McDonald’s and then they would head to the golf course to play a round or two of golf. He was always ready to play, win or lose, he maintained that pleasant smile. All will sorely miss him.

Kenny was born March 28, 1923 to the late Tom and Emma Williams and lived most of his childhood in Schram City. He married the love of his life, the late Elaine (Hornback), they were married for 71 years and lived in Hillsboro, IL.

Kenny was a WWII and Korean War Veteran, Serving his country in Italy, Africa, Philippines, and Japan . He served alongside his late brother, Darwin “Bill” Williams. Kenny spent his entire career in the United States Post Office. He began as a Hillsboro Walking Post Carrier, walking 16 miles a day before Post Office trucks being instituted. He was also instrumental in the formation of the Rural Carrier’s Union. He retired from the post office in 1979 after 40 years of service. Kenny enjoyed being a snowbird to Florida for many years. He was also instrumental in the formation of the little league baseball in Hillsboro, IL. where he was the coach of the Yanks for over 20 years. Kenny was also an avid baseball fan and loved the Chicago Cubs.

Well-known and accomplished golfer, Kenny had been a member of the Hillsboro Country Club since 1966 and he wanted to golf to the very end, even though the last few years his legs said ‘no’. One of his most impressive accomplishments occurred in July 2018, with heat index of 110 degrees, when he was 95 years old - he was able to shoot a 36 (even par) on the Hillsboro Country Club golf course and even had an article in The Journal- News, Hillsboro, IL, about that accomplishment.

Kenny was a long time member and very active in the First Baptist Church, and you could always find him volunteering for Meals on Wheels and many other organizations in town. He belonged to Moose Lodge in Hillsboro.

Kenny was loved and respected for his jovial disposition by all who knew him and was known for maintaining an uplifting attitude through any difficult situation that may have happened in his life. He was loved by everyone and never knew a stranger.

He was preceded in death by his late wife Elaine (Hornback) and brother Darwin “Bill”. He is survived by his son, Mark (wife, Barbara) Williams of Gig Harbor, WA, grandson Brian (wife, Shelby) Williams of Gig Harbor, WA and his beloved great-granddaughter Rachel Williams, of Priest River, Idaho, who he adored, all of whom loved him and will miss his presence in their lives.

In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to First Baptist Church in Hillsboro, IL. 

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