Kenneth "Kenny" Hilmes, age 66, of WaKeeney, passed away Wednesday, April 4, 2018 at Trego County Lemke Memorial Hospital, WaKeeney, Kansas.  He was born April 23, 1951, in Ransom, Kansas, to Henry J. and Armilla (Luetters) Hilmes.

Kenny was a 1970 graduate of Ransom High School.  On May 30, 1997, he was united in marriage to Brenda Deines in WaKeeney.  They enjoyed 20 years of marriage together.  He spent thirteen years of his working life as a farmhand for Louis Rosproy, then went on to work for Trego County Road and Bridge as a heavy equipment operator for 17 years, until retirement.  He was a longtime member of the Fraternal Order of the Eagles.  Kenny loved to take time for a good fishing trip, or sit down to watch his favorite basketball team, the KU Jayhawks.  He was also a fan of the Kansas City Chiefs.  Usually, if you saw Kenny, you'd see his dog "Buddy" somewhere nearby.  His kind heart will leave a lasting impression on many.

Survivors include his wife, Brenda of WaKeeney; two brothers, Fred (Gladys) Hilmes of Ness City, Kansas, and Dan (Ninfa) Hilmes of Othello, Washington; brother-in-law, Shawn (Kerah) Deines of WaKeeney; sister, Karen (Larry) Interman of Dodge City, Kansas; sisters-in-law, Carol Hilmes, Renea Williams, and Janelle Deines of WaKeeney; and numerous nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Donald, Larry, and Alan; and sister, Sandra.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30, Monday, April 9, 2018, at Christ the King Catholic Church, WaKeeney.  Burial will be in the WaKeeney City Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., Sunday at the funeral home in WaKeeney.  There will be a parish vigil service immediately following at 7:00 p.m.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Fraternal Order of the Eagles.  Donations to the organization may be sent to Schmitt Funeral Home, 336 North 12 ^th , WaKeeney, KS  67672.

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