Leon Kennedy

Leon C. Kennedy died peacefully on May 8, 2010 at the age of 96. Leon was born on May 23, 1913 to Archie and Verna (Dawson) Kennedy on the family farm in North Branch, Michigan. Leon worked with his dad and brothers on the farm and with the familys sawmill. He graduated from Mayville High School and was president of his senior class. Leon married Genevieve Kitchen and together they had four children. Genevieve preceded him in death in 1971. Leon married Thelma L. McCoy in 1974. She survives him. Leon began working for General Motors when he was 17 years old and he retired from the company as a foreman in 1976. During World War II, Leon owned and operated a machine shop to make parts for war planes. Leon also enjoyed farming with his son on their farm in Mayville. Leon loved hunting and fishing, with deer hunting as his greatest passion. Deer Season of 2009 marked Leons 81st year of hunting! Surviving Leon besides his wife Thelma, are his children Ron Kennedy, Janis (Bill) Rossiter, Diana Smith, Genny Lynn (Cecil) Hartwick; six grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; one sister, Hazel Pearce and one brother, Arch Kennedy. Brothers, Nelson, Leland and Bob, sisters, Emeline and Lila and daughter-in-law, Jane Taylor Kennedy preceded him in death.