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Eugene Kennedy Obituary
CHAMPAIGN – Eugene Kennedy (sunrise Nov. 4, 1931, sunset June 12, 2009) was born in Sawyerville, Ala., a son of Robert and Ella Kennedy, both deceased.
Eugene confessed hope in Christ early in life and later joined the Jericho Missionary Baptist Church in Champaign, where he served on the trustee board until his health failed.
Eugene served in the Army and took basic training in Fresno, Calif. He served in the Korean War from 1952-1954. After being discharged honorably, he made Champaign his permanent residence.
Survivors include his children, Kevin (Alicia) Catching of Park Forest, Nafisah and Jamie Freeman of Champaign; three brothers, Robert (Eleanor) Kennedy of Sawyerville, Ala., Floyd (Lizzie) Kennedy of Birmingham, Ala., Isiah (Carrie) James of Baltimore, Md.; one sister, Lueguster Robinson of Tuscaloosa, Ala.; one granddaughter, a host of cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. Also surviving are his very devoted cousin, Ella Bradley and nephew, James "Mack" Kennedy, both of Champaign.
He was an avid outdoorsman, specializing in hunting and fishing. He loved watching westerns; even after his sight began to fail, he could still identify actors by their voices. Eugene was active in the Arrowhead Lanes bowling league. He was a member of University Elks Lodge 619, serving in many capacities, including two terms as exalted ruler.
There will be a visitation from 10 a.m. to noon on Wednesday, June 17, at Owens Funeral Home, 101 N. Elm St., Champaign, with the service at noon. The Rev. Ronald Baker will officiate. Interment will be at Danville National Cemetery in Danville.
Memories and Condolences
for Eugene Kennedy
Patricia Thigpen-Osime
June 20, 2009
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Patricia Cobb-Smith
June 16, 2009
Kelvin, my deepest sympathy goes out to you and the family. Remember to look toward God, for strength and he will give it to you. Look toward the hills that cometh your help.
Patricia Cobb-Smith
Houston, Texas
Donnie Brown
June 16, 2009
Kevin,
Praying you remain strong at this time as you remain a blessed part of my past. May God keep you and yours as He honors who you are. I never met your father, but based on who you are I know ultimately he was a good man. Be blessed.
Beverly Halcrombe-Craig
June 15, 2009
Kevin,
You and your family have my deepest condolences during this time of sorrow. Look to our Heavenly Father for all your needs. I will continue to keep you in my daily thoughts and prayers. God Bless you.
Beverly Halcrombe-Craig
Marc White
June 15, 2009
Kevin,
I offer my sincere condolences. Remember to look to God for the strength you will need. You and your family will be in my prayers.
Marc
Bryan Simon
June 15, 2009
Bro. K. Catchings,
You and your entire family are in my thoughts and prayers. May the Lord continue to watch over you and bless you and your family during this time of sorrow.
Eric Warner
June 15, 2009
Kevin and the entire Kennedy family, I offer my sincere condolences during your time of grief. My frat, please let me know if there is ever anything I can do for you. God Bless- Eric C. Warner
micheal davis
June 15, 2009
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Charla Green
June 15, 2009
So sorry to hear of the loss of a very dear friend. God bless the family.
Carolyn James
June 14, 2009
Kevin,
You are in our thoughts and prayers. May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
We love you.
Carolyn and Louis James
Alesia Bishop
June 14, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family in this time of beverement.
stella patterson
June 14, 2009
May god give you comfort in your time of sorrow. We know you loved your father but god loved him best. We love you Kevin.
-The Patterson Family-
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