Kenneth Dean Hooker

Kenneth Dean Hooker of Hermiston, Oregon, passed away on February 4, 2026 in Kennewick, Washington just 12 days shy of his 96th Birthday. He was born on February 16, 1930 in Hermiston, Oregon to Alvin “Bud” Hooker and Gladys (McLouth) Hooker. They lived in the Columbia District NW of Hermiston where he was joined by siblings: Ruby, Sharon, Henry & 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, Oregon who was the love of his life. They were married in Stevenson, Washington on September 25, 1954. Of their union they had 4 children: Kenneth Jr., Ronald, Mark and Anita. Kenneth worked many farm related jobs and loved his hauling hay from the Butter Creek area to Salem, Tillamook and other westside dairies over old Hwy 30 before the freeways were built. He started out at the Umatilla Army Depot in the early 1950's and retired in 1981. Kenneth and Martha lived at Ordinance, OR, Echo, OR and Hermiston, OR before moving to Kennewick, WA in October of 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. 

Kenneth was preceded in death by his beloved wife: Martha; his parents: Alvin & Gladys; sisters: Pam Grimes, Sharon Parrish & husband Tom, Ruby Mulvaney & husband Delbert.

He is survived by his brother: Henry Hooker & wife Bonney; brother-in-law: Jerry Grimes; children: Kenneth Jr. & wife Dianne; Ronald, Mark & wife Leah and Anita; grandchildren: Jade & Jacinda; step granddaughter: Jasmine; great grandson: Sylas; numerous nieces and nephews.    

A joint graveside service for Kenneth and Martha will be held on Wednesday, February 11, 2026 at 1:00 P.M. at the Hermiston Cemetery, Hermiston, Oregon.

Please share memories of Kenneth with his family at  burnsmortuaryhermiston.com 

Burns Mortuary of Hermiston, Oregon is in care of arrangements.

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