Promoted to Glory: Commissioner Kenneth Hood

Commissioner Kenneth Hood, former territorial commander for the South, was Promoted To Glory on May 15, 2023. He was 90.

Herbert Kenneth Hood was born in Bellingham, Washington on January 27, 1933, to parents Ira and Eflow Hood, themselves Salvation Army Officers in the USA Western Territory. He and his older brother, Leslie, grew up in the embrace of Salvation Army culture and both boys eventually became Officers themselves.

Kenneth entered the training college in San Francisco in 1954 as a member of the Soul Winners session of cadets. He was commissioned in 1955, with his first appointment being as assistant corps officer for Spokane Citadel, Washington.

Lieutenant Kenneth Hood fell in love with Lieutenant Barbara Ann Johnson and were married in 1957. Together they served as corps officers in Anacortes, Washington. Their final corps appointment came in 1959 to Bremerton, Washington—coincidentally the city of his birth.

The remainder of their career was served in divisional, territorial, and national staff appointments. With the rank of colonel, he was named national chief secretary. From there they moved to Atlanta, Georgia, where Commissioner Hood served as Southern territorial commander until their retirement in 1998.

Commissioner Hood continued to work in post-retirement until 2021, as financial consultant for Sacramento County of the Del Oro Division.

The commissioner always had a youthful, exuberant spirit. He created many lifelong bonds while playing in Salvation Army bands, and loved his position as pitcher in Salvation Army softball leagues.

Many will also recall his sense of humor. He was always quick with a smile and a joke. Family members believe he invented the "dad joke."

He is preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Major Leslie Hood.

Commissioner Hood is survived by his wife of 66 years, Commissioner Barbara Hood; as well as two daughters, Deanna and Joelle; and one son, Brian. He is also survived by four grandchildren.

The Celebration Of Life service for Commissioner Hood was held on Tuesday, May 30, 2023, at the Sacramento Citadel Corps. Interment will be in the Salvation Army section of Cypress Lawn Memorial Park in Colma, California.