William Joseph Kennedy

William Joseph Kennedy, 84, of Yelm, passed away Wednesday, March 26, 2003 at Providence St. Peter Hospital in Olympia, Washington. He was born on July 22, 1918 in Glasgow, Scotland to John Joseph and Mary Jane (O'Neill) Kennedy. The family moved to New York. He entered military service on April 14, 1942, and served until September 30, 1945; he re-entered on June 29, 1946, and served until May 2, 1949. He again entered on May 3, 1949, and served until December 1, 1952; and once again entered on December 17, 1952, serving continuously until his retirement as a Master Sergeant in the U.S. Air Force. During WWII, he participated in the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign. He served in the Pacific Theater of Operation from April 1947 to April 1949, in Japan from August 1959 to July 1963, and in Hawaii from May 1964 to July 1966. During his military service, Master Sergeant Kennedy received the following decorations and awards: Air Medal, Distinguished Unit Citation, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, Air Force Good Conduct Medal with one Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, National Defense Service Medal with one Bronze Service Star, and the Air Force Longevity Service Award Ribbon with four Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters. Throughout his military service, Master Sergeant Kennedy gave faithful and conscientious service to his country. His standard of conduct and leadership provided an excellent example for those who were associated with him during his military career. After retirement he had made his home in Yelm, Washington for a number of years.Surviving are his sister, Kathleen Kennedy, of Conway, Arkansas; and numerous nieces and nephews.Funeral Services will be held at Woodlawn Funeral Home in Lacey, Washington on Tuesday, April 1, 2003 at 1:30 p.m., followed by burial in Woodlawn Cemetery with full military honors from the U.S. Air Force. Go to www.woodlawnfh.net to leave memorial tribute.