Terre Haute- Kenneth (Kenny) Tilford, 90, of rural Terre Haute, went to be with the Lord at 8:44 a.m., Sunday, April 16, 2023, at home surrounded by family.

Kenny was born, October 29, 1932 in Fontanet, Indiana to Alfred and Mabel Tilford. He married his high school sweetheart, Ramona Herb Tilford on November 25, 1953 and she survives. Survivors also include four children, Doug (Cathy) Tilford, Tammy (Rick) Weir, Dan Tilford and Pam (Bill) Lage; grandchildren, Tara VanWanzeele, Ryan Weir, Adam Weir, Cole Tilford, Cody Tilford, Sean Weir, Caleb Tilford, Alexander Lewis, Caitlyn Parker, Kara Overpeck, and Evan Weir; twenty-one great grandchildren, and one great-great grandson.  In addition to his parents, Kenny was preceded in death by 6 brothers, 3 sisters, 1 son, Robert Wayne Tilford, and 1 granddaughter, Amanda Michelle Lewis.

Graduate of Fontanet High School class of 1950, he earned degrees from Indiana State University and Ball State University. Over the 37 years that followed, Kenny served in roles he loved as a teacher, coach and principal. He had the privilege of working in school systems for Bainbridge, Cloverdale, Turkey Run, North Vermillion, Clinton Central and retired as principal of South Putnam.

He served Jesus. As a leader he served by example. He was a mentor and dear friend to many. His love for his Savior, his wife and his family was unconditional and he strived to put others above himself. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. He purposefully lived his life in such a way that the number of lives he impacted will never be fully known on this side of Heaven.

Services will be held at the Cottrell-Gooch Funeral Home, in Rosedale, Thursday, April 20, 2023. Visitation will begin at 11:00 AM with services following at 2:00 PM. Bill Herb will officiate with interment at Rosedale Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Kenneth’s name may be made to the charity of your choice. Online condolences may be shared at www.goochfuneralhome.com.