Charles Ernest "Chuck" Kennedy

1934 - 2025

Charles "Chuck" Ernest Kennedy

November 23, 1934 - December 23, 2025

Mr. Kennedy was born in Claremore, Okla. to Isom Grady Kennedy and Eva Senkevech Kennedy.

He died on his 91st birthday at home (Hospice). Present were Eddie and Mary Mills; wife Charlotte and her nieces and nephews at the time of his death from heart failure.

He grew up in various small towns in Southwestern Missouri. He spent four years in Iberia, Mo., where he graduated from high school. After graduation, the family moved to Phoenix, Ariz. From there, he joined the Navy. He was trained as an Electronic Technician. His ship was at the Portland Rose Festival. He fell in love with Oregon.

After his discharge to Phoenix, he came to Oregon where he graduated from Portland State College. This is where he met his future wife, Charlotte Garrett. A mutual friend, Valentine, introduced them. She was present at their marriage on her birthday. Thus, in addition to a wedding cake there was a birthday cake! They married on March 28, 1964 and celebrated their 61st anniversary in 2025.

He worked as an accountant for Boeing Aircraft until the massive layoff in the spring of 1971. The couple then took a several months long tent camping trip.

It was his impetus to return to Oregon. He was then employed by Oregon State University and finally Benton County.

In the 1970s, he attended a seminary for two years to learn more of God; not to become a preacher. He is with the Lord now.

Over the years, they took people in for a temporary stay. Eddie and Mary Mills came and have been with them for 8 years. They are considered their "children" or family as they had none.

His hobbies and interests over the years were camping, gold prospecting, fishing, flying his ultralight airplane, and he and Charlotte made several cruises to Alaska.

He crashed his ultralight plane in 2002 and spent 5 months in hospital and rehab in Portland.

He is survived by his wife; his sister, Mary Anderson of Redding, California; and various nieces and nephews.

A memorial will be held on January 10, 2026, at 1 p.m. at Kings Circle Church in Corvallis. Private interment in Portland's Willamette National Cemetery.