Kenneth D. Spurlock

Kenneth D. Spurlock, age 86, passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday, April 23, 2023. He is survived by his wife, Mary Ellen; children Gary (Brenda) Spurlock, David (Marci) Spurlock, Cheryl Thomas, Linda (Bill) Coleman, Jeff (Amanda) Spurlock, Julie (Javier) Blanco; 14 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren; sister, Leota Aguilar; and several nieces & nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, Bill and Mary Lou Spurlock; son, Steve Spurlock; wife, Nancy Bowman Spurlock; brother, Bobby Spurlock; great-grandson, Bryan Spurlock; son-in-law, George Thomas; and brother-in-law; Ray Aguilar.

Ken spent his childhood years in Harrisburg, Illinois and moved to East Chicago in 1956. Ken's decades-long entrepreneurial success began at the age of 19 when he started selling flowers at the corner of Columbia and Chicago Ave. With hard work, dedication, and a knack for client service, Ken soon elevated his one-man operation and established his footprint in the retail business by opening Delock's Grocery Stores. After several years in the grocery business, Ken opened DeLock’s Liquors in 1975, setting the foundation for what would become one of Northwest Indiana’s preeminent family-run retail empires. Through his success, he was able to provide a fruitful retirement for his parents and was always such a selfless provider to his family, always thinking of those around him before his own needs. Over the last 48 years, Ken’s perseverance and determination led to opening numerous successful liquor stores and smoke shops across Northwest Indiana, including most recently Kennan Liquors, which continues to serve as the flagship destination for wine and spirits in Dyer and St. John.  Throughout his long and rewarding career, Ken received a variety of business and community honors. He was a constant presence in his stores, always greeting customers with a smile and unafraid to roll up his sleeves and do whatever menial task necessary. He cared deeply about his employees, whom he loved and treated like his own family. Ken was truly a self-made man, and the success he achieved was grounded upon his exceptional ambition and a profound sense of pride in his work.Through all of his success, he remained a humble man who would give the shirt off his back to help others around him.

Outside of his business achievements, Ken also took part in local politics, serving as the Democratic representative for Hammond City Council. He also had a love for horses and horse racing. For many years, Ken was deeply involved in the sport, owning several racehorses, and spending his free time at the racetrack where countless memories were made with family and friends at Balmoral Racetrack and Sportsman's Park in particular. His passion as a racehorse owner ran deep, culminating in owning 120 horses at one point in time and traveling all over the country to watch his horses participate in a number of races. Ken was also a 40+ year Mason member at the Garfield Masonic Lodge #569.

In addition to Ken's hard work and success, he was also a devoted family man. His grandchildren and great-grandchildren were the light of his life. Work was also family. The countless people that Ken encountered along his journey allowed him to never feel like he worked a day in his life. He lived life every day with a smile. Happiness was always his choice and he loved nothing more than seeing his family together and happy. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

Services will be held Tuesday, May 2, 2023, at Hillside Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 8941 Kleinman Rd (one block south of Ridge Rd) Highland, IN, 46322 from 12:00 pm to 8:00 pm. On Wednesday May 3, 2023 there will be a private graveside service. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation, St. Jude's Children hospital, or your local animal shelter. 

For additional information, please contact Hillside Funeral Home & Cremation Center Konnie Kuiper-Michael Kuiper-Vass by calling us at 219-838-0800 or visiting us at www.hillsidefhcares.com

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