Kenneth R. Kennedy

Dr. Kenneth Raymond Kennedy, 85, of Poplar Bluff died Sunday, Feb. 15, 2009 at his residence.

Dr. Kennedy was born June 17, 1923 in Gideon. He received his BA degree from Oakland City University, Oakland City, Ind.; Master of Divinity degree from Southern Theological Seminary, Louisville, Ky.; and in 1986 an Honorary Doctorate of Divinity was conferred upon him by Oakland City University. Dr. Kennedy served as missionary to the Philippines from 1961 - 1964; Executive Director for General Baptist World Headquarter located in Poplar Bluff from 1965 - 1978; and served as Trustee for 33 years at Oakland City University. He was a member of Fellowship General Baptist Church in Poplar Bluff where he served as pastor until 1986. Dr. Kennedy also served as fill-in pastor at Osborn General Baptist Church in Qulin and Stanfield General Baptist Church in Gideon until 2000. In total Dr. Kennedy served as a pastor for over 50 years. He was also a veteran of the U. S. Army having served during WWII. He enjoyed spending time with his family, reading, writing, gardening, woodworking, raising and riding horses and playing with his dogs.

On June 6, 1944 he married Wanda Pool in Kennett. She survives.

Other survivors include three children: Denver Kennedy and wife Anna of Poplar Bluff, Elaine Trafton and husband Charlie of Boonville, Ind. and Beverly Ladd and husband Steve, of Santa Clarita, Calif.; 6 grandchildren: Shannon Green, Kelly Trafton, Jason Kennedy, Rachel Kennedy, Lucas Ladd and Katelyn Ladd; 3 great-grandchildren: Logan Kennedy, Clay Green and Juliet Kennedy Ladd; 2 sisters: Winnie Spickelmier, of Dexter and JoAnn Weatherly of Cape Girardeau; and 2 brothers: Ardell Kennedy of Poplar Bluff and Wincel Kennedy of Dallas, Tex.

His parents, John O. and Nettie (Hargraves) Kennedy, and brothers, Denzel Kennedy, James I. Kennedy and Dwain Kennedy preceded him in death.

Visitation will be from 6 - 8 p.m. Wednesday at Fellowship General Baptist Church. The funeral service will be at 10:00 a.m. Thursday at Fellowship General Baptist Church with the Rev. Byron Beck officiating and Dr. James Murray and Dr. Leland Duncan assisting. Burial with full military honors will be at the City Cemetery in Poplar Bluff.

In lieu of flowers the family has requested memorial contributions be sent to the Kenneth R. Kennedy Scholarship Fund at Oakland City University, 138 Lucretia St., Oakland City, IN 47660.