Kevin Patrick Kennedy Jr.

Kevin Patrick Kennedy, Jr., 73, of North Platte, passed away at Kearney Regional Medical Center on Dec. 26, 2020. Kevin was born to Kevin Sr. and Rita Kennedy on Feb. 23, 1947, in Flushing, New York, where he grew up. He attended St. Mary's High School in Manhasset, New York, before enlisting in the U.S. Marine Corps, serving from 1964-68. Kevin proudly served in Company Hotel Second Battalion 7th Marine and was stationed in Vietnam. He attained the rank of sergeant and was a counter-guerrilla warfare instructor for the Marine Corps. Kevin received many awards and commendations, including a Purple Heart, Vietnam Service Medal and Rifle Expert Badge. Following his honorable discharge, Kevin returned to New York where he attended St. John's University for business and finance. While studying for his broker's test at Merrill-Lynch, he drove a cab in New York City. Kevin went on to be a Wall Street executive for over 48 years as a Wall Street advisor and managing director. On July 21, 1984, Kevin married Florence Ellen Taylor in Brookville, New York, and they lived in Syosset, New York. Kevin's interest in ranching brought the family to North Platte 25 years ago when he purchased a ranch south of Maxwell and ran a cow/calf operation. Kevin enjoyed living in Lincoln County and became active in the community. He was a reserve deputy for the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office, was on the board of CASA (Court-Appointed Special Advocates), president of the 20th Century Veteran's Memorial and served on the board for the Law Enforcement Memorial. He was a member of various groups including the Lincoln County Cattlemen Association, Order of the Purple Heart, U.S. Marine Corps League, Military Order of Cooties, P.R. Halligan Post No. 163 American Legion, life member and junior vice commander of the V.F.W. Post No. 1504, and a member of the FBI's Joint Terrorism Task Force for over 16 years. Kevin was proud of his family and his service to our country and had great faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. Semper Fi! He was preceded in death by his parents; and sister, Bernadette Kennedy. Kevin is survived by his wife, Ellen of North Platte; children, Brian Kennedy of North Platte, Mary Ellen Kennedy of Omaha, Kevin Kennedy III of North Platte and Edward Kennedy of Jacksonville, Florida; grandchildren, Christopher, Hannah and Ava Kennedy; brothers, Patrick Kennedy of New York City and Tom (Cindy) Kennedy and Brian (Shia) Kennedy, all of Laguna Beach, California; sisters, Marianne (Steven) Hadley of Casco, Maine, Maureen Doran of Holtsville, New York, Rita Mackey of Islip, New York, and Michelle (Jerry) Todd of Mission Viejo, California; and many other family members. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the 20th Century Veteran's Memorial in North Platte or Wreaths Across America. Online condolences may be shared at odeanchapel.com. Funeral service will be at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 30, at the Berean Church. Burial with military honors will follow at Fort McPherson National Cemetery, near Maxwell. Services will be recorded and posted to odeanchapel.com and livestreamed at https://vimeo.com/495294455. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., with family greeting friends from 4-6 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 29, at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore, which is in charge of arrangements.