Jack Kent Hood of Springfield, Missouri, passed away on October 12, 2023 at home with family at the age of 90. He was born in Springfield, Missouri to Vernie C. and Willie M. (Shook) Hood on October 9, 1933. Jack grew up in Springfield, and he attended Springfield (Central) High School (class of 1952), where he met his future wife, Frances A. (Davis) Hood.

Jack went on to enroll in Kansas State University's architecture program, and he and Fran were married on December 25, 1953. Their relationship was an enduring gift that lasted for nearly 70 years—one of love, support, respect, and devotion.

Upon graduating from Kansas State in 1957, Jack and Fran returned to Springfield, where he worked for several local firms and in 1962 established his own practice. In 1963 he became a founding partner of Hood-Rich, Inc., a firm that he guided for more than 50 years. Jack's architectural footprints are found throughout the region, and they include some of Springfield's most visible and well-known structures: Hammons Tower, One Parkway Place, Missouri State University's Glass Hall and Plaster Stadium, and scores of other schools, commercial properties, and houses of worship, including his home church, Campbell UMC. Jack was particularly proud of his firm's work at the Springfield Nature Center, which remains a beloved and cherished place for so many Springfieldians.

Along with his professional work, Jack served on the boards of the Springfield Council of Churches and Systematic Savings Bank, and he was a member of the Rotary Club. Jack also worked on numerous committees and projects at Campbell United Methodist Church, where he and Fran were members. In addition, Jack was an ardent supporter of Missouri State University, and his and Fran's allegiance to the Bears dates back to the days of McDonald Arena.

Still, the centerpiece of Jack's life was his family, and he was blessed with a large number of children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. The Hood home was a childhood dreamscape for many—vividly colorful holidays, cinnamon rolls in the oven, sleepovers with Grandma and Grandpa, and the place where a bevy of kids learned to swim. Jack was a fortunate person in this regard, and his kindness and civility were surely indicative of the gratitude he felt.

Jack is survived by his loving wife, Frances; children, Jeannie (Brent) Glover of northwest Arkansas; Jill (Jim) Lohmeyer of Springfield; Jana (Gary) Funk of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; and Joel (Joyce) Hood, also of Springfield; grandchildren; Kasie (Rob) Ferguson, Cody (Cheryl Vukmanich) Johnson, Kyle (Millie) Johnson. Whitney (Blake) Bryant, Bethany (Ben) McDonald, Katy Lohmeyer (partner AJ Jenkins), Megan (Jon Urban) Funk, Thomas (Holly Tarren) Funk, Jessica (Austin) Kendrick, Gracie (Logan) Kennedy, and Jackson Hood. In addition, Jack had the opportunity to indulge 17 great-grandchildren!

Jack was predeceased by his parents and his sister, Jean (Hood) Larson.

The family wishes to express their sincere appreciation for the many caregivers who provided Jack with wonderful support.

Families and friends are invited to attend a memorial service at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, October 22 at Campbell United Methodist Church, 1747 E. Republic Road, Springfield, under the care of Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home. Memorial donations can be made in honor of Jack to the Community Foundation of the Ozarks Founders Fund, Community Foundation of the Ozarks, 425 E. Trafficway, Springfield, MO 65806 or online at www.cfozarks.org .