Kenneth W. Kennedy, age 82, of Mount Gilead, died unexpectedly in his sleep early Sunday morning, April 14, 2013, at his home.
On February 27, 1931, Ken was born in Chesterville, Ohio, the older of two sons of the late Arthur and Frances (Hamer) Kennedy. He graduated from Chesterville High School in the Class of 1948.
Following high school, Ken attended the Ohio State University, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in education in 1952. In one of his classes, Ken became smitten with a study partner, Nancy Schafer. Eventually she gave in and went on a date with him, and the rest was history. They were married soon after his graduation on June 8, 1952, in her home church, the First Methodist Church in Quaker City, Ohio. They have cherished their 60 years together.
After college, Ken enlisted in the U.S. Army, where he served for 6 months at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, when an injury forced him to be discharged.
Upon his honorable discharge, Ken and Nancy moved to Mount Gilead in 1953, where he began teaching in Johnsville High School and she began teaching in Edison. After two years in Johnsville, Ken transferred to Claridon High School, where he was for 7 years until it’s closing. He then moved to that district’s new school, River Valley High School, where he spent the rest of his teaching career, retiring after 23 years in 1985. During his 30 year career, he taught business classes and gave each student as much time as they needed to succeed in both class and life.
After his retirement from teaching, Ken entered the real estate business. He worked for Vonnie Hull Realty and T C Wood Realty for 13 years.
Ken faithfully attended the First Presbyterian Church in Mount Gilead, every day he was able since their joining the church in 1957. He served on many committees there, including the board of trustees and their session committee. Recently, he and Nancy enjoyed attending Sunday School classes taught by Pastor Tom.
Dedicated to his community, Ken served two terms on the village council and two terms as mayor of Mount Gilead. He also was a member of the Lion’s Club, where he was a past president and past district zone chairman. More recently, he kept up with all of the current events of the village with his Men’s Coffee Club, who met at Sames & Cook for coffee and quiche.
Enjoying the company of his many friends, Ken loved socializing over many games of bridge as a part of several card clubs. He also loved golfing at Pine Lakes Golf Course in Mount Gilead, until his health deteriorated.
Always honest and conscientious, Ken was a man of integrity who made every effort to improve the lives of others both as a teacher and as a leader of the village of Mount Gilead.
Ken will be dearly missed by his wife, Nancy Kennedy of Mount Gilead; his daughter and son-in-law, Kim and Kevin Baker of Marion; two granddaughters: Katie and Kourtney; a brother and sister-in-law, William “Bill” and Shirley Kennedy of Sebring, Florida.
The Kennedy family will greet friends from 4 – 7 p.m. on Wednesday, April 17, 2013, at the Snyder Funeral Home, 67 N. Main St., Mount Gilead. Memorial services honoring his life will be held on Thursday at 11:00 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church, 55 N. Cherry St., Mount Gilead, with Rev. Dr. Thomas J. Mori officiating. Burial will be observed privately at Rivercliff Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the First Presbyterian Church Memorial Fund (address above).
Snyder Funeral Homes of Mount Gilead is honored to have been chosen to serve Ken’s family and your private condolences may be expressed to them by visiting www.snyderfuneralhomes.com.
About Marion Online Obituaries
