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Edgar Douglas Kenna, Jr. "Doug", age 88, of North Palm Beach, FL, passed away on January 28, 2013.
Doug is survived by his wife, Jean; son, Edgar Douglas Kenna III (Debi); daughter, Susan Cronk (Shanler) and numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren.
A dynamic and pioneering captain of industry, an outstanding business leader, an enthusiastic volunteer and philanthropist who has served his Alma Mater for over 40 years, and a West Point athlete whose exploits in three sports established records and standards still unsurpassed, the career of Edgar Douglas Kenna, Jr. has exemplified the finest traditions of the United States Military Academy.
Doug Kenna attended the University of Mississippi for one year before being appointed to West Point in 1942. As a cadet, he excelled in athletics, was a cadet captain and regimental commander, and was elected president of his class.
In athletics, Doug Kenna achieved a fame that is accorded few cadets. In his three years at West Point- the course for the Class of 1945 was shortened to three years because of World War ll - Doug Kenna was awarded eight varsity letters, three in basketball, three in tennis, and two in football. He quarterbacked the 1944 undefeated national championship Army team that averaged 56 points a game - a record that still stands for college football. He was named first team All-American in 1944. And, in 1984, he was elected to the National Football Foundation Hall of Fame. In the 104 years West Point has played the game, he is one of only 21 Army players so honored. In basketball, Doug Kenna started at guard for three years, playing on one of only two undefeated basketball teams in Army history, and participating in a record 27 game winning streak over a period of three seasons. As captain of the Army tennis team, Doug Kenna led the cadets to an undefeated season.
Upon his graduation from West Point, he was commissioned in the Infantry and assigned to the 35th Tank Battalion, 4th Armored Division in the European Theater of Operations. Transferring to Armor branch in 1947. he was later assigned to the 2nd Constabulary Regiment. In 1948 he returned to the United States and joined the 3rd Cavalry Regiment at Fort Meade, Maryland. In December 1949, he resigned his commission.
Beginning in the fall of 1946, Doug Kenna returned to West Point on temporary duty each fall as an assistant football coach under head coach Earl Blaik. In that capacity, he was instrumental in developing two more unbeaten Army teams, and, when he turned to civilian life, he stayed on at West Point coaching football for three more years.
In 1952 Mr. Kenna joined Avco Corporation. and in 1954 he accepted a position as Sales Manager for Mississippi Power and Light. Five years later he returned to Avco.
During the next nine years, Doug Kenna rose rapidly through the corporate ranks at Avco. As Vice-President of the Missiles, Space, and Electronics Group he was responsible for the design, development and production of ICBM payload reentry systems, and for a wide variety of programs in spacecraft communications, radar, oceanography, propulsion systems, and medical research. In this position of great responsibility during the troubled era of the Cold War, and later as Vice-President in charge of Marketing and Planning, Mr. Kenna made significant contributions to the defense and security of the United States.
In 1968 he joined Fuqua Industries as its President, and in two years increased sales eight-fold. In 1970, Mr. Kenna joined Robert B. Anderson, Ltd in a partnership that provided broad financial services and marketing throughout the world.
In 1973, his illustrious career in business resulted in his selection as President of the National Association of Manufacturers, an organization of over 12,000 members. While in this position, Mr. Kenna founded and directed the United States/USSR Trade and Economic Council. His enthusiasm and innovative planning made this visionary project a reality.
In 1977, Mr. Kenna left the National Association of Manufacturers to become President of Carrier Corporation, the nation's leading manufacturer of air-conditioning, heating, and refrigeration equipment. In 1981, he became a partner and director of G.L. Ohrstrom & Co., a capital investment firm.
Mr. Kenna has served as chairman and director of many companies during his long and brilliant career in business. Among these is Vinnell Corporation, where as Chairman of the Board he was directly responsible for the important military and logistics training of Saudi Arabian military forces carried on by that firm for many years, training that played a key role in the success of the Gulf War.
He has formerly served as a Trustee of Eisenhower College and Northeastern University; he is a member of the Vincent T. Lombardi Cancer Foundation; he has been active as Chairman of the United Way campaign and the Hiawatha Boy Scout Council for Upstate New York; and he is a Trustee Emeritus of the Association of Graduates of the United States Military Academy, an honor achieved after serving 15 years as a Trustee. For many years, he was also Vice-Chairman of the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame.
Doug Kenna has served two Presidents of the United States as chairman of investigative committees, devoting his time and energy as willingly as he has assisted charitable organizations during his career. He is a recipient of the Freedom Foundation Medal and the Gold Knight Award of the National Management Association.
Throughout a lifetime of distinguished service to the nation and his fellow citizens, Mr. Kenna's career has been one of selfless contributions and dedication to the principles and ideals of the West Point motto: "Duty, Honor, Country." As a soldier, athlete, industrialist, and philanthropist, Mr. Kenna's outstanding leadership and integrity have set a standard of performance and conduct against which future generations of West Point graduates will be measured.
A graveside service will be held at the Lakewood Memorial Park, Jackson Mississippi, on February 11, 2013 at 11 a.m. A memorial service will be held at The United Military Academy at West Point, Highlands, NY, on May 13, 2013, at 1:30 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Lost Tree Chapel, 11149 Turtle Beach Rd., North Palm Beach, FL 33408.
Arrangements entrusted to the Howard-Price Funeral Home, North Palm Beach, FL.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
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.
Robert L Calver
Friend
September 28, 2020
Valenda Newell
November 9, 2016
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.
Christian Meighan
April 9, 2015
Miss you Doug...
~Pete
Pete Bertine
May 28, 2014
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.
Hugh Warren
June 3, 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
May 17, 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
Wendy Shattuck
May 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.
Simmons Family
March 2, 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]
B Lucas
February 16, 2013
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
February 13, 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!
Bobby Wilcox
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
Rosemary Hoppenheim
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 12, 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.
February 11, 2013
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Cynthia
February 11, 2013
John 17:3 can comfort you during this difficult time.
February 11, 2013
I am so sorry for the loss of your loved one. Please find peace and comfort in Psalms 65:2.
Jill
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.
John Newberry
February 11, 2013
Jean, so sad to hear of his death. I enjoyed every time I was with the two of you.
Carol Munzenrieder
February 10, 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
Connie Stanard
February 7, 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.
Denny & Debbie Howard
February 6, 2013
Please accept my deepest sympathies.
Mary Nichols
February 6, 2013
As a fellow veteran, this is a shame, too bad for his children...
aa m
February 5, 2013
Jean,so sorry for your loss.Your in our prayers. Pam&Bob Burnside
Pam&Bob Burnside
February 5, 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.
February 4, 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.
Susan Wells
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
February 3, 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
Joseph Casey
February 1, 2013
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