Kenneth Bert Hume

Kenneth Bert Hume (99) passed away on November 2, 2024. A graveside service will be held on Monday, November 11, 2024, at Southlawn Cemetery (398 S 6th St, Seymour Iowa, 52590) at 1:00 p.m.

With a host of angels in attendance, Kenneth Bert Hume, age 99, journeyed from his earthly life on November 2nd, 2024. Born April 5, 1925 to Bert and Maude (Smith) Hume, Ken attended school in Seymour, IA. Upon graduation in 1943, he joined the Navy, serving proudly on the cruiser battleship USS Alaska, including battles at Iwo Jima and Okinawa during WWII.

Following the end of the war, he returned to Iowa and attended college, studying engineering. On April  17, 1949, Ken married (Alice) Marie Hamlin, the love of his life, and moved to Des Moines. He was a 37-year employee of Sperry Univac (now Unisys), which was forefront in the development of early computers. Great friendships came from his career and an active coffee group of coworkers and even former clients continued decades following Ken's retirement.

Ken and Marie were blessed with two daughters and, after a brief transfer to Cedar Falls, the family made their home in Urbandale for 54 years. In 2013, Ken moved to The Village at Legacy Pointe, now known as Independence Village of Waukee. He had a great appreciation for nature and enjoyed studying astronomy and quantum physics. Ken also loved teaching his grandchildren science, ice skating, archery, and woodworking, and was an ace at billiards, still winning tournaments at age 98. Most of all, Ken was a kind and gentle soul.

Many thanks to the staff at the Village and especially to MercyOne Hospice for their care and support.

Ken was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Emery, Glen, Dallas, and Kermit, sister Lenora, beloved wife Marie, and daughter Sandra.

Among those left to carry on Ken's legacy are forever grateful daughter, Dr. Melodee (Bruce) Woodard; three grandchildren, Dr. Kate Woodard (Enumclaw, WA), Kelly Woodard (Dublin, Ireland), and Kristopher Finzel (Des Moines, IA) and favorite niece, Freda Kinman (Silvis, IL).