Kenneth Bruce Hemm, of Lyman, South Carolina, passed away at home on May 13, 2026, with his beloved wife, Diane, by his side.

Born on October 7, 1940 near Ladysmith, Wisconsin, Ken was the youngest of five children born to Joseph and Anna Hemm. He was a brother to Frank (Josephine) Hemm, Leo (Eileen) Hemm, Dorothy (Roy) Anderson and Darlene (Walt) Masters who have all passed away. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Beverly (Adams) Hemm, and his son, Christopher Hemm.

Ken was a 1958 graduate of Lynnwood-Jacksontown High School in Ohio. He spent many years working for the Timken Company, where he earned the respect of those around him through his strong work ethic, dependability, and willingness to always lend a hand.

A lifelong sports fan, Ken loyally followed the Cincinnati Bengals, Green Bay Packers, Cincinnati Reds, and The Ohio State University — though when Wisconsin was having a good season, he was known to cheer for the Badgers as well. During his years in Crawford County, Ohio, he was active in the Jaycees, attended Harmony United Methodist Church, and enjoyed coaching Little League baseball. In later years, he became an avid golfer and loved any opportunity to get out on the course

Ken proudly served his country in the United States Army and remained deeply proud of his military service throughout his life. After moving to the upstate of South Carolina, he became a devoted member of American Legion Post 214 in Taylors, South Carolina, and Irving Southworth Masonic Lodge No. 350 in Lyman, South Carolina, where he found friendship, fellowship, and a strong sense of community. Ken especially loved the Cecil D. Buchanan Museum of Military History in Taylors, South Carolina. He spoke proudly of the time he spent there and never missed an opportunity to show it off to family and friends.

To know Ken was to know someone who would always show up when you needed him. He was the kind of man who helped without hesitation, loved without condition, and made people feel cared for simply by being present. He loved his family fiercely and took great pride in being a husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.

Ken had a remarkable gift for storytelling. Whether he was sharing memories, jokes, or life lessons, he could captivate a room and leave people laughing long after the conversation ended. His warmth, humor, and steady presence made people feel at ease, and his absence leaves a space that cannot be filled.

He is survived by his wife, Diane Hemm; his children, Missi (David) Grove of Bucyrus, Ohio, Kory (Ann) Hemm of Troy, Ohio, and Alexis Sprogis (Brandon Harris) of Moore, South Carolina; his grandchildren, Hannah (Josh) Woods, Dr. Chloe (Dr. Aaron) Cotney, Lily Hemm, Camille Hemm, Bailey Sprogis, Avery Sprogis, and Ezra Sprogis; and his great-grandchildren, Georgia Woods and Eliza Woods, along with many extended family members, lifelong friends, and all those fortunate enough to have been loved by him.

The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to Prisma Health Hospice of the Foothills for the compassion and care shown to Ken and his family during his final days. A special thank you is extended to his nurse, Laurie, whose kindness, dedication, and exceptional care brought comfort and peace during an incredibly difficult time.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children in Ken’s honor.