Kenneth D. Hood

Weslaco-

Kenneth Douglas Hood went to be with Our Lord on May 6, 2025, at 82. He was born on July 22, 1942, in Stephenville, Texas, to Walter and Loree (Deaver) Hood. He was a man of sincere kindness and unwavering dedication. Kenneth was a thoughtful soul who cared wholeheartedly even when words were few.

After his father finished his commission in the Army during WWII, they moved to Donna, Texas, where their family grew with the arrival of their daughter Shirley Kay. From a young age, Kenneth learned the value of hard work by helping his father tend to their farm and raising cattle. He was very involved in 4-H raising lambs, pigs & Jersey cows. His efforts paid off when he proudly earned Grand Champion with his Jersey heifer at the Rio Grande Valley Livestock Show 1959. His talents did not end there. He also had a keen interest in science. He demonstrated that by winning the District and advancing to State with his Electrical Safety Project. Kenneth attended Donna High School, where he played End position on the varsity football team. Kenneth graduated one year before Donna High School won the state championship in 1962.

He met the love of his life, Janelle Cooper, while attending Donna High School. After graduating from High School in 1961, he attended Pan American College in Edinburg, Texas. He transferred to Texas A&I, Kingsville, Texas, where he graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Agronomy. On January 1, 1965, Kenneth and Janelle married. They lived in Kingsville, where they welcomed their first child, Stephen. After graduating, he worked for the Soil Conservation Service in Kennedy, Texas. One year later, they moved to Altus, Oklahoma, where he was employed at the Gulf Chemical Farm Division.

After building his career, Kenneth and Janelle moved their family to the Rio Grande Valley, settling in Weslaco, Texas. Soon after, they welcomed their daughter Stephanie. Kenneth worked for Red Barn Chemical in Elsa, Texas, advising farmers on purchasing and applying agricultural chemicals. His skill and knowledge provided him with the opportunity to become the farm manager of Russell Farms for 30 years. Kenneth managed the growing of onions, melons, and peppers in the US and Mexico, as well as cotton harvesting in Texas, Louisiana, and Mississippi.

Kenneth was an avid outdoorsman with a true gift for fishing and hunting. More often than not, he brought home a string of fish or a fine wild game. Kenneth owned several hunting dogs over the years, many of which would accompany him in the fields during white wing season. The bond went beyond the hunt- they were true companions. Kenneth was a self-taught problem-solver who found satisfaction with developing computer programs and websites. He would spend hours in his office reading books on DOS systems and later on Windows systems.

In 1999, Kenneth and Janelle became entrepreneurs, starting their own business, Rainbow Sprinkler Systems. Although a risk, they knew all things are possible with God. He earned the trust of countless customers across the Rio Grande Valley. Taking pride in reliable and professional service, a desired product, and long-time friendships, Kenneth always went the extra mile to make sure the job was done right.

Kenneth and Janelle retired in 2021. During retirement, he enjoyed woodworking, making writing pens, duck calls, and even a wooden boat. He would challenge himself to a game of Solitaire, winning most of the time against the computer. Kenneth and Janelle celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on January 1, 2025.

Kenneth was a thoughtful soul. He listened more than he spoke, noticing the small things and remembering what mattered. He cared deeply for his family, and his love was felt in the way he worked, gave of himself, and created memories that shall linger in the memories of many.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Loree Hood, and brother-in-law Robert Shandley

He is survived by his wife, Lynn Janelle Cooper Hood, son Stephen Douglas Hood (Tara), daughter Stephanie DeAnn Wurm (George), sister Shirley Kay Shandley, granddaughters Brook Nicole Terveen (Cameron) and Taylor Patricia Wurm, grandsons Stephen Brody Hood, Brett Stephe Hood, and Trey Nicholas Hood, great-grandchildren Truly Brighton, Trinity Bay, Shirley Kay, and great-grandson Cash Wesley Terveen, and numerous nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his sidekick, man's best friend, and beloved couch companion (Weimaraner) KC of 10 years.

Visitation will be Friday, May 16th, 2025, 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM, McCaleb Funeral Home, Weslaco, TX. A celebration of life -Saturday, May 17th, 2025, 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM McCaleb Funeral Home, Weslaco, TX. Kenneth will be laid to rest on Saturday, May 17th, 2025, at 11:00 AM at Sacred Park Cemetery in Mercedes, TX.

Pallbearers will be: (son) Stephen Douglas Hood, (grandson) Stephen Brody Hood, (nephews) Da Self and Scott Martin, (grandson-in-law) Cameron Terveen, and (close friend) Sergio Coronado Honorary Pallbearers will be: (brother in law) Loy Dale Self, (son in law) George Wurm, (close friends) Jesse Russell and Robert Jones.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Aurora House Foundation, P.O. Box 976, Weslaco, TX 78599.