SPRINGFIELD - Myles R. "Smyley" Kennedy, 76, of Springfield, died at 10:54 a.m. Sunday, June 22, 2008, at his residence.
Myles was born Aug. 13, 1931, in Springfield, the son of Roy and Ann Roach Kennedy Sr. He married Norma R. Granda; she preceded him in death in 2002.
He was a devout Catholic and attended St. Joseph's Catholic Church, where he was an usher for several years. Myles had a zest for life and could not sit at home for long. He enjoyed getting out and enjoying life with his family and friends. Myles was also a member of Trooper Lodge 41 and a former member of the Knights of Columbus Council 364.
Myles was a barber by trade and owned and operated Smyley Kennedy's Barber Shop on Sangamon Avenue for more than 20 years. He went on to work for the state before retiring in 1994.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Roy Kennedy Jr.; and five sisters, Mary Agnes Bartolomucci, Sara Kerber, Joie Brost, Rita Jean Sorquist and Anna Mae Martin.
He is survived by his three sons, Kevin P. Kennedy of Springfield, Dennis Kennedy of Joliet and John (wife, Melanie) Pusich of Terre Haute, Ind.; three grandchildren, Mary, Leslie and Andrew; two sisters, Trudy (husband, James) Johnson of Springfield and Theresa Merano of Muskegon, Mich.; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
The family will receive friends from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday, June 26, 2008, at Kirlin-Egan and Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. Sixth St., Springfield. The visitation will begin with a prayer service at 4 p.m.
Funeral mass will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, June 27, 2008, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 1345 N. Sixth St., Springfield, with the Rev. Msgr. Thomas P. Holinga V.F. celebrant.
Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Joseph's School, 1345 N. Sixth St., Springfield, IL 62702.
Please visit Myles' online life story at www.butlerfuneralhomes.com to offer your condolences.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Anne and Ron Walsh
June 27, 2008
Dennis and Kevin:
I am sure your dad is smiling down from heaven on you and is proud of his two young men.
The Walsh Family
Mary jones
June 27, 2008
Kevin I will never forget Mr Myles
He was so kind
His driver
Marc & Caryn Broomby
June 26, 2008
Kevin,we are so sorry for your loss.
We know you be surrouned by family and friends, let us know if you need anything. You are blessed to have been able to spend so much time with him these past few years.
Mark and Beth Petro
June 26, 2008
Kevin, Find peace in knowing you spent your dad's last hours enjoying fun and the love you both shared.
Tami Foster
June 26, 2008
Kevin -
We here at Addus Adult Day Center will miss our "Smiley". He will forever live in our hearts. The Staff and Clients of Addus Adult Day Center
Steve Endsley
June 26, 2008
Kevin: I am so sorry to hear about your dad. Please know I am keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. My sincere sympathies to you and your family. God Bless.
Margaret (Bracco) Leckrone
June 25, 2008
My family goes way back with Kennedy family. I use to see "Smiley" and his wife deliver the newspapers at the hospital. Yes it's true he always had a smile on his face. I know that God is now "smiling down on him" Peace be with you Myles.
Linda Vono
June 25, 2008
Kevin -
I was so sorry to hear of your loss. My condolences to you and your family at this time of sorrow.
Geraldine Morgan
June 25, 2008
When I met Myles for the first time @ Addus Evergreen Club I was his Bus Driver. He used to tell me alot of jokes. And that's one thing I will miss about him and he will be missed. My sympathy to the Kennedy family.
John Fleischacker
June 25, 2008
Kevin: My thoughts are with you and your family. Please accept my deepest sympathies.
John Staab
June 25, 2008
To The Kennedy Family: I always enjoyed talking to Myles when he parked cars for the State Fair, he always found a place for me. He will surely be missed by a lot of people, I am sorry for your loss.
Karen Allen and Linda Allen Stecker
June 25, 2008
Very sorry for your loss. We lived on 22nd street and remember your Mom and Dad as nice people. Your Dad had the right nickname! May God bless you with good memories.
Kelly & Kathy Ciota
June 25, 2008
Kevin, It was always a pleasure for you to bring your Dad with us for the boat outings or gatherings at our house, he was a nice man. Take pleasure in knowing he'll be with you always.
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