Kenneth Eugene "Gene" Hazlewood

Coleman Funeral Home of Oxford

Kenneth Eugene "Gene" Hazlewood, 71, passed away on March 3, 2026 at Baptist Memorial Hospital in Oxford, Mississippi.

A visitation will be held on Friday, March 13, 2026 from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. at Coleman Funeral Home of Oxford (601 Commerce Parkway, Oxford, MS, 38655). A memorial service will immediately follow on Friday, March 13, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. in the chapel of Coleman Funeral Home.

Gene was born on August 9, 1954 in Tulsa, Oklahoma to the late Ken and Marge Hazlewood.

For many years, Gene taught 5th grade, sharing his passion for learning and inspiring countless students. Teaching was not just a career for Gene-it was a calling that he embraced wholeheartedly. His classroom was a place of encouragement, discovery, and laughter, and his former students often recall the positive impact he had on their lives.

Gene's devotion to education extended beyond his own classroom. He was an active member of numerous professional teaching associations, always seeking to grow as an educator and support his colleagues. His leadership and camaraderie enriched the teaching community and set an example for others to follow.

In addition to his teaching, Gene found great joy in coaching. He coached youth sports throughout his adult life, up until he started to coach middle school football for Oxford. After his coaching career was over, you would still often find him at the ball field keeping score, or watching his students and grandchildren playing ball. Coaching young athletes was one of his greatest passions, and he cherished the relationships he built with his players. Gene's encouragement and enthusiasm helped shape the lives of many young people both on and off the field.

Beyond the classroom and the field, Gene was a devoted fan of college sports, especially the Ole Miss Rebels. Whether cheering from the stands or watching from home, he loved the excitement and camaraderie of game day.

Gene also found peace and happiness outdoors. He took pride in working in his yard and tending to his garden, which overflowed with flowers and a bounty of vegetables. The beauty surrounding his home was a testament to his patience and care, offering a warm welcome to all who visited.

Above all else, Gene's heart belonged to his family. Every moment spent together was precious to him, and he cherished every hug, every laugh, and every shared memory. His profound love and dedication are gifts his family will forever carry in their hearts, and his boisterous presence will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Gene Hazlewood's life was one of service, devotion, and love. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

He is survived by his two sons, Kenny Hazlewood (Kaytee) of Oxford, MS, and Tommy Hazlewood of Oxford; his granddaughter, Maggie Hazlewood of Oxford; his three grandsons, Clark Hazlewood of Oxford, TJ Hazlewood of Dover, DE, and John Cole Hazlewood of Panama City Beach, FL; and one brother, Steve Hazlewood (Marla) of Sheridan, AR.

Gene is preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth Delane and Margie Mae Patterson Hazlewood.

The family of Gene would like to encourage everyone that will attend his memorial to wear your favorite Ole Miss, Arkansas, Lafayette, or Oxford gear in his honor.

In lieu of flowers, donations and memorials in memory of Gene can be made to youth sports at the Oxford Park Commission.

The staff at Coleman Funeral Home of Oxford is honored to serve the family during this challenging time. Condolences may be expressed online on his Tribute wall at www.colemanfuneralhomeox.com.