Ardell Kennedy

Ardell Osmer Kennedy, 96, of Poplar Bluff, Mo., died Sunday, July 23, 2017 at the John J. Pershing V.A. Medical Center.

Mr. Kennedy, the oldest son of John Osmer Kennedy and Jenetta Irene (Hargraves) Kennedy, was born Nov. 19, 1920 in Holcomb, Mo. He was a member of the Fellowship General Baptist Church, where he served as a Deacon. Mr. Kennedy proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy and was a World Ward II Veteran. He was employed at the V.A. Medical Center in Poplar Bluff as a Dental Technician for 17 years followed by 18 years of service as Medical Director at the Mingo Job Corps Center in Puxico, Mo. Mr. Kennedy received both Masonic and Scottish Rite 50 year pin. He served as the Master of Poplar Bluff Masonic Lodge # 209 and was a member of the Eastern Star. He was a self-taught harmonica player. Mr. Kennedy enjoyed spending time with his family, was an avid Ham Operator, and enjoyed growing grapes.

He is survived by his wife of 72 years, Anna Kathleen (Cummins) Kennedy, of the home and four children, Karen Delleen Mosbey (Bill) of Guthrie, OK. Bonnie Lee Ray (Bill), Mark Alan Kennedy (Rose) and Douglas Ray Kennedy (Sheri), all of Poplar Bluff, MO. Also surviving are 10 grandchildren, Joel Ahrens, Kristen Ahrens Smith and Jason Ahrens of Oklahoma City, OK., LeAnna Cochran of McCalla, AL., Sarah Blandford of Eagle, CO., David Ray of Poplar Bluff, Mo., Jared Kennedy of Poplar Bluff, MO., Jessica Shockley of Evansville, IN., Nate Kennedy of Little Rock, AR. and Sam Kennedy of Lexington, KY., 12 great-grandchildren and a sister, Joann Weatherly of Cape Girardeau, MO.

His parents, his brothers, Kenneth R. Kennedy, Wincel E. Kennedy, James I. Kennedy and Dwain C. Kennedy and a sister, Winnie Spickelmier, preceded Mr. Kennedy in death.

Ardell Kennedy is remembered by his church and community as a man who provided hope and encouragement to many, always lifting the spirits of those around him.

A Masonic service will begin at 5 p.m. Wednesday at Cotrell Funeral Chapel in Poplar Bluff with the visitation following until 8 p.m. The funeral service will begin at 10:00 a.m. Thursday at Fellowship General Baptist Church with the Rev. Byron Beck officiating. Burial will follow with full military honors at the Poplar Bluff City Cemetery.

Memorial can be made to the Fellowship General Baptist Church Building Fund