Charles Lee Kennedy

Charles Lee Kennedy, age 75, of Kearney, Missouri, formerly of Brookfield, passed away peacefully at his home on Monday, August 18, 2025.

He was born on July 18, 1950, in Brookfield, Missouri, the son of Jay Barnett Kennedy and Rosamond Virginia (Fisher) Kennedy.

Charlie was a 1968 graduate of Brookfield High School. He built a proud career as a truck driver alongside his father and brother and was an owner/operator of J.B. Kennedy and Sons Trucking Company, established in 1936. In addition to trucking, the family operated livestock and raised crops on their farms. Charlie also spent several years working at Pepsi-Cola in Brookfield.

On February 19, 1972, Charlie married the love of his life, Linda Louise Dorrell. They were married for 40 years until her passing in 2012. Together, they raised two daughters, Bridgett and Bobbie, and a son, Pete. Charlie and Linda instilled in their children the values of family, integrity, and a strong work ethic. The Kennedy family is deeply rooted in tradition, and Charlie was a role model for always striving to do the right thing.

He never knew a stranger and made countless friends across the Midwest during his trucking years. He also remained close with a group of lifelong buddies from Brookfield High School. Charlie had a generous heart and was always the first to offer a helping hand.

In his younger years, Charlie was a member of the Brookfield Elk's Lodge and played for the Shelby slow-pitch softball team. The Kennedy family were longtime members of Bear Branch United Methodist Church while living in the country on Route V.

Charlie loved the outdoors and especially enjoyed turkey and deer hunting on his farm with his kids and friends. He looked forward each year to camping and trout fishing at Bennett Springs, even braving snowy March mornings in a tent for opening day. He enjoyed dancing, playing cards, working puzzles, and watching MU football and basketball. He was known for his spirited political debates and his passion for riding his Harley-Davidson motorcycle and trike. He took many memorable bike trips with his daughter and a close-knit group of fellow riders.

Charlie is survived by his children: Bridgett Blanscet (Cole), Bobbie Wright (Loren), and Charles "Pete" Kennedy (Jennifer), all of Kearney, Missouri; his beloved grandchildren: Rylee Olinger and fiancé Alex Holle of Chandler, Arizona, Zachary Blanscet, Halle Wright, Hayden Wright, Isaac Kennedy, William Kennedy, and Molly Kennedy, all of Kearney; and his mother-in-law, Loretta Dorrell.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Linda; his parents; and his brother, Leroy Kennedy (Ali).

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 23, 2025, at Wright Funeral Home in Brookfield, Missouri, with Pastor Mark Pridmore officiating. Visitation will be held prior to the service from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Interment will follow at Rose Hill Cemetery in Brookfield.

Memorials may be made to the Liberty Hospital Foundation and left at or mailed to Wright Funeral Home, P.O. Box 496, Brookfield, MO 64628.