Kenneth, age 63, of Chillicothe, passed away on Monday, December 8, 2025 at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria.

Kenneth was born on May 6, 1962 in Monmouth, IL to Charles Alonzo and Mildred M. (Birdsley) Hillard, Jr. He married Colleen Ward on November 4, 1988 in Peoria. She preceded him in death February 24, 2018. After the passing of his wife, Ken found love again with his fiancé, Regina Smith.

Surviving are his daughter, Erin (Aaron) Humphreys of Chillicothe; his fiancé, Regina Smith of Chillicothe; his grandchildren, Kenny (Paige Munstedt) Dennis, Samuel Dennis, Alexis Humphreys and Alton Humphreys, all of Chillicothe; his stepchildren, Luis Gonzalez of Pontiac, Jose Gonzalez of Varna and Cassandra (Jake) Deffenbaugh of Varna; and many step-grandchildren. Also surviving are his brothers, Edward (Lynette) Hillard and Bruce (Marcia) Hillard; his sisters, Kathleen Hillard and Diane (Mark) Hillard-Sembell; and many nieces and nephews. Kenneth was preceded in death by his wife; his parents; and his brother, Lonnie Hillard.

Kenneth graduated from Alexis High School, where he proudly managed the Alexis Cardinals Football Team. After high school, Kenneth attended Illinois State University before joining the workforce. He worked in insurance sales, cable television, was a farmer and farm manager, and then worked in sales for Ryder Truck Rental, retiring in 2002. Kenneth was an active member of St. Edward Catholic Church in Chillicothe with the Education Commission and St. Joseph Mooney Cemetery for many years, and was a member of the Knights of Columbus. He also coached Erin in sports when she was growing up. 

What Kenneth lacked in physical ability, he made up for with attitude. He became an entrepreneur early in life. He was not afraid to tackle tasks and dive into projects that might have seemed intimidating to others. His gift of gab enabled him to make lifelong friends easily, his storytelling ability is legendary, and his generosity was also well-known. While not possessing an advanced degree, he became very successful in his chosen profession of equipment and truck sales. He won numerous sales awards during his long career at Ryder and provided well for his family. He loved his family deeply and was a constant source of support for them. 

A Funeral Mass was held on Saturday, December 13, 2025 at 11am at St. Edward Catholic Church in Chillicothe. Visitation was held on Friday, December 12, 2025 from 4pm to 7pm, with Recitation of the Rosary at 3:30pm at the church as well as visitation on Saturday beginning at 10am. Burial followed Mass at St. Joseph Mooney Cemetery. Memorials in Kenneth’s name may be made to St. Edward Catholic School. Arrangements are under the care of Weber-Hurd Funeral Home in Chillicothe.