William "Bud" Kennedy

FAULKTON - William "Bud" Kennedy, 86, Faulkton, passed away Wednesday, Dec. 2, 2009, at the Faulkton Area Medical Center. William Havens Kennedy was born March 5, 1923, on the family farm near Fairburn to Hearl P. and Inez J. (Havens) Kennedy. Ranching was a big part of Bud's life and included cattle drives, breaking horses and rodeos. Bud joined the U.S. Navy during World War II, serving in the medical field. After the war, he joined the Army Guard and then returned to active duty during the Korean and Vietnam Wars. He later served in many different areas of the Federal Civil Service. On April 7, 1979, he married Marion McNeely in Rapid City. Raising horses, the military and family were some of Bud's passions. You would seldom see him without a horse. He was very proud to be an American soldier and thoroughly enjoyed spending time with his family especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was a member of the VFW Post 3179, the Masonic Lodge, Shriners, American Legion Post 102 and Disabled American Veterans. His memory will be cherished by his wife, Marion Kennedy of Faulkton; his children, William "Paul" (Caroline) Kennedy of El Segundo, Calif., Vicki Kennedy (Charles) McBreen of Iowa City, Iowa, David (Kay) Jackson of Peoria, Ariz., Linda Jackson (Bill) Batson of Colorado Springs, Colo., Barbie Jackson (Ken) Slavens of St. Helena, Calif., and Carol Jackson (Rusty) Parriott of Woodbury, Tenn.; 16 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; four sisters, Dorothy Woesner of Denver, and Katherine White, Betty Downen and Barbara Shindlebauer, all of Rapid City; one brother, Harley (Jan) Kennedy of Roanoke, Ala.; and numerous nieces and nephews. Bud was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Bertha and Stella; and Vicki's mother, Mildred Wood Kennedy. Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. CST today at the United Church of Faulkton, with Pastor Paul Smith officiating. Burial, with full military honors, will follow at the Miranda Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Shiners Children Hospital, Faulkton Area Medical Center or the Faulkton Healthcare Center. Luce Funeral Home of Faulkton has been entrusted with William's arrangements. Visit www.familyfuneralhome.net.