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Charles Kenney Obituary
Friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m. on Monday (March 21) at the Trinity Church, 520 S. Main St., Geneva. A Funeral Service will be held at 10 a.m. on Tuesday (March 22) at the church. Burial will follow in Glenwood Cemetery.
Contributions may be directed to the charity of one's choice.
Charles Henry Kenney, Sr. was born on November 7, 1916 in Geneva. He was the sixth child born to the union of the late Herman and Josephine (LaPeon) Kenney.
Charles grew up in a family surrounded by love and encouragement to develop to the fullest. He learned the importance of hard work and responsibility from his father. His strong moral character and Christian values were instilled in him by his mother.
Charles graduated from Geneva High School in 1935, distinguishing himself in drama and basketball. He attended Temple University in Philadelphia, Penn. majoring in English and Dramatic Arts. Charles, with his excellent leadership skills, took a position at the Columbia Rope Factory in Auburn, which ultimately landed him the position of superintendent. His love of sports and his competitive edge led him to golf at a very young age. Charles captured the Geneva Country Club trophy as the outstanding player of the year. He also was an active member of the Geneva Housing Authority, treasurer of the Sports Hall of Fame and one of the first African Americans to serve on the Geneva Board of Education. In addition, and in keeping with his early training, he played an active part at Trinity Church by teaching Sunday school and committing to lay reading.
He is survived by his current wife, Joyce Johnson Kenney. Charles leaves to cherish his memory, a brother, John Kenney; daughters: Charleen (Noah) Young, Margaret (Roger) Williams, Bonnie (Keith) Aten, Doris (Thomas) Myers and Edna Johnson; son, Rufus (Kristin) Johnson. Also cherishing his memory are his grandchildren and a host of nieces and nephews. Of special note and interest was his life-long relationship with his best friend and brother-in-law, Merritt Fletcher of Auburn, who will miss the card games they played so enthusiastically.
Charles was preceded in death by his first wife, Lillie Post Kenney; and two sons: Charles, Jr. and Russell.
Online condolences for the family may be sent to www.palmfh.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Charles Kenney
Norman E Kenney
March 12, 2024
HEY UNCLE CHARLES SURE HOPE YOU ARE HOLDING IT DOWN UP THEIR, AN KEEPIN IT RUNNIN SMOOTH FOR ALL THE KENNEY,S AN OTHER LOVED ONES WHO HAVE JOINED YOU ALL, I MISS THE HECK OUTTA BEIN WITH AN SEEIN ALL MY PARENTS,GRANDS, UNCLES ,AUNTS CUZZZZES BUT ONE DAY I WILL JOIN YOU ALL UNTIL THEN KEEP THE LITE ON FOR ME, KEEP EM LAUGHIN AN PARTYING & I WILL SEE YA LATER, LOVE YOU MADLY. NORMAN JR
Norman E Kenney
March 12, 2023
DEAREST UNCLE CHARLES JUS WANNA LET YOU KNOW THAT YOU ARE STILL LOVED AN MISSED
PLEASE GIVE BIG HUGS AND KISSES TO ALL THE
KENNEYS UP THEIR FOR ME AND PLEASE TELL EM WE ALL ARE DOIN FINE DOWN HERE AND OH YES
(I WILL SEE EM LATER)AND KEEP HAVIN FUN LAUGH PLAY CARDS AND OH YEA UNCLE CHARLES PLEASE (KEEP WALKIN ON WATER FOR EM)
LOVE YOU MADLY
NORMAN JR
Norman Kenney
March 13, 2022
DEAREST UNCLE CHARLES WE JUS WANNA LET YOU KNOW THAT YOU ARE NOT FORGOTTEN AND STILL MISS YOU SO VERY VERY MUCH PLEASE GIVE MY LOVE TO ALL MY FAMILY I WILL SEE YA LATER
LORD WATCHES OVER US ALL
LOVE YA MADLY
NORMAN JR /DIANA
NORMAN KENNEY
March 24, 2020
NORMAN KENNEY
March 24, 2020
NORMAN KENNEY
March 24, 2020
NORMAN KENNEY
March 24, 2020
NORMAN KENNEY
March 24, 2020
WHAT WONDERFUL TIMES WE HAD GROWING UP BEING KENNEYS
NORMAN KENNEY
March 24, 2020
NORMAN KENNEY
March 24, 2020
NORMAN KENNEY
March 24, 2020
NORMAN KENNEY
March 24, 2020
NORMAN KENNEY
March 24, 2020
NORMAN KENNEY
March 24, 2020
Uncle Charles WE ALL MISS YOU MUCH AN SEND OUR LOVE TO YOU AN ALL THE KENNEYS
Rosa Carter-Miller and Carter Family
March 26, 2011
Remember your great story of a life well lived. May you cherish his memories forever. God is our strength!!!
Von/Harriett Keese
March 22, 2011
My heart goes out to you at this time and in the days ahead.
John Stephens
March 21, 2011
Charlie was always so welcoming and happy. We sang in Choir for many years and his deep bass voice and his sense of humor were unmatched.
We have been blessed by you and we miss you, and certainly you are resting in Peace.
I pass my warmest regards to "Young John" and Beth -- also in the choir and Sunday School. I am saddened to remember that Chuck went on long-before. Every member in the extended Kenney family has left a superb legacy.
Prayerfully, John Stephens
Ron & Lila Kenney
March 21, 2011
Uncle Charles, it's very painful to write these few words, but at the same time, I can know all will be well. You have given me a lifetime of wonderful memories, filled with laughter, song, and most importantly, a very deep sense of Kenney Family *Pride*. You truly exemplified what a Kenney Family Reunion should be - - I will always hold those feelings dear to my heart. Our family, as well as, the City of Geneva has lost a fine upstanding citizen and a very well-loved person.
To Joyce, Marj and Charleen, and Uncle John, in particular, please know our thoughts are with you. Know also, that God's Light and Love is beaming all over Uncle Charles!
Blessed Love . . .
Tom & Norma Desilets
March 20, 2011
I had the privilege of living next door to “Mr. Kenny’s for the first 18 years of my life. As a young boy I can remember the sound of his car starting every morning, his driveway was adjacent to my upstairs bedroom, and leave for work. His departure time was my build-in alarm clock as a youth. The following statement may sound more like a mailperson than Mr. Kenny’s weekday schedule but one of my impressions of him as a youth was: “Snow, sleet nor rain would not prevent him from his scheduled departure”. Not only did he provide me with my daily wake-up call but he provided me with a valuable lesson in life regarding the importance of being on time. I have never forgotten that lesson and I have carried that thought throughout my adult life. I also recall that he was always the first one to say “Hello” and ask how everything was going.
My Mother and Sister’s family continued to live adjacent to Mr. Kenny long after I departed Geneva but I would always try and stop by to say hello to a very good family friend while in town.
You will be missed,
Tom & Norma Desilets
Darryl Moore
March 20, 2011
Uncle Charles was my great Uncle, I only had the chance to be around him at family reunions, but every time my family and I had a chance to be in his presence it was a blast. Uncle Charles you will be missed. To Joyce and the rest of the Kenney family you are in our prayers.
David Feligno
March 20, 2011
I am so sorry.You are all in my prayers.
Rich Desilets
March 19, 2011
As a next door neighbor during the 1940's & 50's I got the honor of visiting Charlie in his home, listen to his stories & being with this dignified man.
Marcus Kenney
March 19, 2011
I'm at a loss for words to truly express myself but I know that if I become half the man that my grandfather was I will have surpassed my greatest hopes. We are all truly blessed to have known this wonderfully caring and intelligent man.
Loving Grandson,
Marcus Kenney
JOHN AND JEAN LABUFF
March 18, 2011
TO CHARLIES SURVIVORS, CHARLEY WAS ONE IN A MILLION. IT WAS A PLEASURE TO HEAR CHARLEY SING AND TALK. HIS VOICE HAD A CERTAIN CHARM TO IT. HE WILL REST IN PEACE.
Norman,Charles,Ann,Burgene,John,&Gordon Kenney
Norman Kenney Jr
March 18, 2011
Uncle Charles ,Iam so GLAD I called YOU last week,we talked of FAMILY,LAUGHED, also how much we LOVED EACH OTHER. You have been one of my Favorite People on this earth,an inspiration to many.GOD has blessed YOU with a Wonderful family &friends. JOB WELL DONE.YOU HAVE EVEN WALKED ON WATER.Its truly your time to rest,see ALLyour family,THEIR WAITING FOR YOU . So sorry I cant attend your going home,I will be there in SPIRIT, I LOVE YOU ALWAYS, AND WILL SEE YOU LATER.
Les and Barbara McLeod
March 18, 2011
To all of the family so sorry to hear of the passing of Uncle Charlie.
We will miss Uncle Charlie his words of wisdom, smiling face and his love for family.
Barbara and I send our deepest sympathy and love. Know you are in our hearts, thoughts and prayers.
Marcus and M'Lynne Kenney
March 18, 2011
Joyce, Marj, Roger, Char, and Noah,
Our lives were made richer in countless ways to have Charles Sr. as a grandfather and father-in-law. We loved him and we will miss him. Although we cannot make the journey to Geneva to be with you, we are with you in our hearts.
Betty Moran
March 18, 2011
All of the Desilets family send you our heart felt sympathy. Charlie was a wonderful neighbor and friend and touched our lives in a wonderful way. God bless you all and we are keeping you in our prayers.
Claudia Hollenbeck
March 18, 2011
To all of the family, so sorry to hear of Uncle Charlies passing. All of us Hollenbeck's will always remember him with love. Are prayers are with all of you.
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