Kenneth Dean Hooker of Hermiston passed away on Feb. 4, 2026 in Kennewick, Wash. just 12 days shy of his 96th birthday.
He was born on Feb. 16, 1930 in Hermiston to Alvin “Bud” Hooker and Gladys McLouth Hooker.
They lived in the Columbia District northwest of Hermiston where he was joined by siblings, Ruby, Sharon, Henry and Pam. Kenneth went to Columbia School until 8th grade before going to Hermiston Union High School, graduating in the class of 1948. Kenneth met Martha Cooper from Hood River, who was the love of his life. They were married in Stevenson, Wash. on Sept. 25, 1954. From their union they had four children, Kenneth Jr., Ronald, Mark and Anita. Kenneth worked many farm-related jobs and loved hauling hay from the Butter Creek area to Salem, Tillamook and other westside dairies over old Highway 30 before the freeways were built. He started out at the Umatilla Army Depot in the early 1950s and retired in 1981. Kenneth and Martha lived at Ordnance, Echo and Hermiston before moving to Kennewick, Wash. in October 2023, where he lived until his death. Dad loved his many cars over his life, gardening, woodworking, building bird houses, building model cars, jigsaw puzzles and after retiring, traveling around the country in their RV with Martha.
He is survived by his brother, Henry Hooker and wife Bonney; brother-in-law, Jerry Grimes; children, Kenneth Jr. and wife Dianne, Ronald, Mark and wife Leah, and Anita; grandchildren, Jade and Jacinda; step granddaughter, Jasmine; great-grandson, Sylas; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Kenneth was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Martha; his parents, Alvin and Gladys; sisters, Pam Grimes, Sharon Parrish and husband Tom, and Ruby Mulvaney and husband Delbert.
A joint graveside service for Kenneth and Martha will be held on Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2026 at 1 p.m. at the Hermiston Cemetery.
Please share memories of Kenneth with his family at burnsmortuaryhermiston.com.
Burns Mortuary of Hermiston is in care of arrangements.
