John R. Kennedy, former owner of Kennedy Funeral Home in Marietta, OK, was born May 13, 1945 in Siler City, NC, the son of Melvin Ray Kennedy and Margaret Aunspaugh Kennedy. He passed away Saturday, February 27, 2016 in Mercy Hospital Ardmore at the age of 70.

As a funeral home manager and owner, John had more than 35 years experience in the industry beginning in 1963. He attended East Central University in Ada and graduated from The Dallas Institute – Gupton Jones College of Dallas, TX in September 1966. Throughout his career he managed funeral homes in Ada and Hugo and owned funeral homes in Okmulgee, Bristow, Wetumka, Ardmore, and Marietta, retiring October 1, 2000. In addition he served eight years on the Oklahoma State Board of Embalmers and Funeral Directors, serving three terms as president following appointments by Governor George Nigh and Governor David Walters. John had also owned and operated the Marietta Mini-Storage since 1987.

He was also very involved in community affairs. John served on the Love County Health Center Hospital Board four years, two terms as president; four years on the Bank of Love County Board of Directors; and on the Love County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors four years. For a number of years he was chairman of the Love County Frontier Days Parade. Another community project dear to John was the Angel Tree Project each Christmas that provides gifts for needy children.

John served in the U.S. Army as a Sergeant of the 1st Infantry Division, also known as the "Big Red One," from May 1967 to May 1969 with one year of Graves Registration in Vietnam for which he was awarded three Army Commendation Medals, three Bronze Stars, two Vietnam Service Medals, one Vietnam Air Medal, and the Good Conduct Medal.

John married the former Sue Parker in Marietta on July 13, 1997, and together they had a number of business ventures, including a very successful ranching operation raising Brangus cattle. His hobbies included spending time with his grandchildren, fishing, hunting, boating, and playing dominoes. He also enjoyed his antique cars, a '55 Chevy and a '57 T-bird. John was a member of Marietta's First Baptist Church.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Gailian R. Kennedy on June 15, 1991; and brother, Mike Kennedy.

Survivors include his wife, Sue of the home; two daughters and son-in-law, Tara McGill of Marietta and Amber and Aaron Robertson, also of Marietta; son and daughter-in-law, Travis and Autumn Reed of Jimtown, OK; two brothers and sister-in-law, his twin, Jack Kennedy of Tampa, FL and Richard and Connie Kennedy of Liberty, NC; seven grandchildren, Madison, Gentry, Lillie, Daisie, Pasley, Bella, and Azalea; and a cousin he was very close to, Jimmie Tyson of Little River, NC.

Serving as casket bearers are Greg Parker, Gabe Parker, Royce Gillham, Dan Parker, Travis Reed, and Keith Hallum. Honorary bearers are Wayne Brown, Ron Westfall, Major Clagg, Greg Cromer, Aaron Robertson, Betty Freeman, Donnie Spicer, Jerry McGill, Tom Riley, and Bill Kidd.