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Edgar Douglas "Doug" Kenna II
Edgar Douglas "Doug" Kenna II
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Edgar Kenna Obituary
Kenna died Jan. 28 in North Palm Beach, Fla., where he had lived for years, according to Nicholas Hollis, a longtime friend who worked with him at the National Association of Manufacturers in the 1970s. Howard-Price Funeral Home in North Palm Beach confirmed his death.
Kenna will be buried Monday at Lakewood Memorial Park in Jackson, Miss. A memorial service is May 13 at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point.
Hollis said Kenna had the same precision in business that made him a championship quarterback, calling him "a real American giant."
"You'd have to see him walk into a room. Leadership is hard to define, but he was leadership personified," Hollis said.
Kenna was from Jackson and went to the University of Mississ ippi before being recruited to West Point. He was later inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame and the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame. He also served as a vice chairman for the National Football Foundation.
Kenna was the captain of the tennis and basketball teams the same the year he lead Army to the football championship, according to the football foundation. West Point's basketball team lost only one game that year and the tennis team was undefeated.
Kenna also was class president at West Point his senior year, according to his obituary.
As World War II ended, Kenna was recruited by Gen. George Patton to coach Army football teams in occupied Germany, Hollis said. He also was an assistant coach under Earl Blaik at West Point before going on to a successful business career.
Hollis said Kenna later held executive positions for several major companies, including Avco Corporation, Mississippi Power and Light, Fuqua Industries, Robert B. Anderson Ltd., G.L. Ohrstrom & Co. and Carrier Corporation. He also served on numerous boards.
As head of the National Association of Manufacturers in the 1970s, Kenna led "pioneering trade and industrial missions," including in the former Soviet Union, Western Europe and the Middle East, Hollis said.
HOLBROOK MOHR, Associated Press
Copyright © 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
30 Entries
Robert L Calver
September 28, 2020
I'm saddened to discover that Doug has passed. I've been trying to seek out some of those that enhanced and affected my life in a positive way. Doug did that when he was with the Carrier Corporation and I met him through my father in law Mel Holm. I found a magazine from the years he was quarterback at West Point and wanted to forward it to the family. I may be reached at [email protected] should anyone be able to communicate with me. I'm not sure whether his wife is still living. Jean would take her me I believe. Thank you.
"We sons of today, we salute you. You sons of an earlier day; We follow, close order, behind you, where you have pointed the way.."
Christian Meighan
April 9, 2015
Its been over two years since Mr. Kenna passed away and few days go by where I don't think about him. The impact he has on my life cannot be put into words. It was said that You can easily judge the character of a man by how he treats those who can do nothing for him. His character was immaculate. I can never forget the first day I met Mr. Kenna and to this day I never understood what he saw in me but I am grateful for him not only believing in me but also giving me time to learn from him. I am for ever grateful for Mr. Kenna being a part of my life. I was devastated by his passing and couldn't imagine him not being around. What he instilled in me lives on and I am indebted for the rest of my life to his good will and inspiration. Be thou at peace Mr. Kenna.
Alex and friends...
Pete Bertine
May 28, 2014
Miss you Doug...
~Pete
How you can show support
Hugh Warren
June 3, 2013
Dear Sue & Family,
Please accept my condolences on the recent death of your Dad. He and your mother were wonderful people whom I will always remember fondly.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this time of loss.
May 17, 2013
May the god of comfort be a source of strength for your family at this difficult time. 2Corn 1:3, 4. Deepest Sympathy, Sue, Concord, NC
Wendy Shattuck
May 2, 2013
Dear Sue and family,
I am so sorry to find out you lost your Dad. I always had such respect and admiration for him. Sending you and yours my sympathy and love, Wendy
Simmons Family
March 2, 2013
Jesus wept.
Here at Fort Hood, the largest miiltary installation in the free world, a moment in respectful remembrance recorded. All in this local community truly know that freedom is neither free, nor easy. Selfless service, daily discipline, persistent patriotism is here. So, we stand in solidarity to send condolecenses and prayers to The Doug Kenna Family.
B Lucas
February 16, 2013
My sincere condolence for the loss of Edgar your dear loved one. May your fond memories of him bring much comfort. Peace and love to your family and friends, and to the spirit that you show. [email protected]
February 13, 2013
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Bobby Wilcox
February 12, 2013
Every now and then, our creator places someone among us to sprinkle some integrity on our lives. Due to the quality of this man, I'm even prouder to be a veteran. On Brave Old Army Team!
Rosemary Hoppenheim
February 12, 2013
Jean,we were blessed to have shared some wonderfull times with you and Doug.His stories and accomplishments in life were always intriguing,and his smile humour and generosity was what he was all about.He was fortunate to have you by his side.Youare in our thoughts and in our prayers. Rosemary and Mel Hoppenheim,Montreal Canada
February 12, 2013
My condolences to the family of Mr Kenna II. May God be a refuge for you during your time of distress. Ps. 34:17
February 11, 2013
The staff of the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame and Museum express our condolences. Mr. Kenna was a delightful man. We are sorry we were unable to attend today's services.
February 11, 2013
We miss you Doug. You were the greatest of grandfathers. Edie, Doug, Abbie, Olivia and Gar. You meant the world to m y kids.
February 11, 2013
We will miss Edgar. Romans 15:33.
Cynthia
February 11, 2013
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
February 11, 2013
John 17:3 can comfort you during this difficult time.
Jill
February 11, 2013
I am so sorry for the loss of your loved one. Please find peace and comfort in Psalms 65:2.
John Newberry
February 11, 2013
Will fondly remember Mr. Kenna as the neighbor who patiently showed me how to throw a football. Condolences from Beverly Farms to Sue and the family.
Carol Munzenrieder
February 10, 2013
Jean, so sad to hear of his death. I enjoyed every time I was with the two of you.
Connie Stanard
February 7, 2013
Jean-
So sorry to hear about Doug. We are so glad that we got to meet him and spend time with the both of you at dinner at Tin Pan. He was a great man. You and the family are in our thoughts & prayers. Garry & Connie
Denny & Debbie Howard
February 6, 2013
Doug and Deb, you have been in our thoughts and prayers. We have always appreciated both of you and support you in this time of grieving.
Mary Nichols
February 6, 2013
Please accept my deepest sympathies.
aa m
February 5, 2013
As a fellow veteran, this is a shame, too bad for his children...
Pam&Bob Burnside
February 5, 2013
Jean,so sorry for your loss.Your in our prayers. Pam&Bob Burnside
February 4, 2013
God is near to those that are broken at heart and those crushed in spirit he saves. God will sustain you and help you to endure.
Susan Wells
February 3, 2013
I was sorry to hear of Mr. Kenna's death. He was my father Dale Hall's best friend throughout his lifetime and a good family friend. Condolences to Mrs. Kenna and Susan and Nicki.
February 3, 2013
athlete, scholar, business leader - he was a hero to all who came in contact with him. I knew him best on two corporate boards - a man of incredible integrity. Paul Choquette, East Greenwich, RI
Joseph Casey
February 1, 2013
Doug Kenna will always be my hero. I was fortunate to join him in the same class selected to the West Point Sports Hall of Fame. My prayers go out to Jean and the entire Kenna Family.
With sincere condolences,
Joe Casey, USMA 1967 & Patty
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