Kenneth “Ken” V. Kennedy, 91, Marion, passed away at 4:20 a.m. on Sunday, January 24, 2021, at Marion General Hospital. He was born in Fort Wayne on Sunday, February 17, 1929, to Kenneth J. and Eugenia C. “Jennie” (LaCroix) Kennedy.
Ken attended Marion High School where he developed his love of art. After high school, Ken enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, where he spent time in North Africa and Europe. Upon his return home from the military, he attended Indiana University where he received his Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts and his Master’s degree in Education. He utilized this degree when he accepted the position of head art teacher at Marion High School, where he worked for ten years. His artistic and teaching talents were recognized when he received an award for the Top Art Teacher for the State of Indiana during this time. In 1968, Ken created the “Giant of Youth” limestone sculpture that continues to sit in the library courtyard at Marion High School. In 2016, his family discovered the scale model of the sculpture that Ken presented to the Marion H.S. Art Department on February 24, 2017.
After ten years of teaching, his brother, William, invited him to work at Hartson-Kennedy. He began working at Hartson-Kennedy in Elkhart in 1965 before the factory’s construction. Ken ran the Elkhart facility as the Plant Manager until 2010.
Ken was a devoted member of the Catholic Church, attending Queen of Peace Parish in Mishawaka where he served in the choir as a music minister and, until present, St. Paul Parish in Marion.
Ken also had a special love for Airedale terriers, which brought him much enjoyment. His last three Airedales were champion show dogs.
Ken was a caring and compassionate person, helping his father, Kenneth, and his sister, Harriette, take care of his mother, Jennie, for many years before he moved to Elkhart. He was a devoted brother, helping his brother, Bill,
manage the Elkhart portion of the Hartson-Kennedy business for 45 years and also helping him with the care of his sister, Harriette, during her lengthy illness before her passing. Ken is beloved by numerous nieces and nephews who will always remember him and his great ability to make people laugh with his wit and sense of humor.
Survivors include his nephews, Martin Kennedy of Marion, Charles Kennedy of Ocala, FL, Patrick “PJ” Kennedy (Sandy) of Marion, Andrew “Andy” Kennedy (Nyoka) of Marion, Edward Seeger (Mary Lou) of Falls Church, VA, Michael Kennedy (Cindy) of Biloxi, MS, Christopher Kennedy (Kim) of Noblesville, and Kenneth Wells (Nancy) of Kokomo; nieces, Elaine Lines of Marion, Janice Seeger Shaw (Cliff) of Oro Valley, AZ, Debbie Wright (Bob) of Lafayette, Kathy Harris of Kokomo, Linda Beaver (John) of Riverview, FL, Cindy Romanchuk (Chris) of Duluth, GA, Judi Kennedy Scribner (Kenn) of Churubusco, and Julia Lawson (Mark) of Columbia City.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, LaCroix (Jennie) Kennedy, Paul (Matilda) Kennedy, William (Dorthea) Kennedy, and Phillip Kennedy; sisters, Harriette Kennedy, Joan (Edward) Seeger, and Mercedes (Kenneth) Wells; nieces, Nancy Kennedy and Ellen Kennedy Barker; and nephew, Dennis Seeger.
A private burial will take place at Estates of Serenity. A public memorial service to honor Ken will be held later this summer.
Arrangements are entrusted to Needham-Storey-Wampner Funeral Service, North Chapel, 1341 N. Baldwin Ave., Marion, IN.
Memorial contributions may be directed to St. Paul Catholic Church.
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