Kevin Kennedy, Jr., of North Platte, Nebraska passed away at Kearney Regional Medical Center in Kearney, Nebraska on Saturday, December 26, 2020, at the age of 73.
Kevin was born to Kevin, Sr. and Rita Kennedy on February 23, 1947, in Flushing, New York, where he grew up. He attended St. Mary's High School in Manhasset then enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps. Kevin proudly served our country from 1964-68. He served in Vietnam, attained the rank of Sergeant, and was a Counter Guerrilla Warfare Instructor for the Marine Corps. Kevin received many awards and commendations including a Purple Heart, Vietnam Service Medal and Rifle Expert Badge.
Following his discharge, Kevin returned to New York where he attended St. John's University for business and finance. While studying for his broker's test at Merrill-Lynch, he drove a cab in New York City. Kevin went on to be a Wall Street Executive for over 48 years as a Wall Street advisor and managing director.
On July 21, 1984, Kevin married Ellen Taylor in Brookville, New York, and they lived in Syosset, New York. Kevin's interest in ranching brought the family to North Platte, Nebraska 25 years ago when he purchased a ranch south of Maxwell, Nebraska and ran a cow/calf operation.
Kevin enjoyed living in Lincoln County, Nebraska and became active in the community. He was a Reserve Deputy for the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office, was on the board of CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates), and president of the 20th Century Veteran's Memorial. He was a member of various groups including the Lincoln County Cattlemen Association, Order of the Purple Heart, U.S. Marine Corps. League, Military Order of Cooties, P.R. Halligan Post #163 American Legion and was a life member and Junior Vice Commander of the V.F.W. Post #1504 as well as serving on the board for the Law Enforcement Memorial and was a member of the FBI's Joint Terrorist Task Force for over 16 years.
Kevin was proud of his family and service to our country and had great faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. Semper Fi!
He was preceded in death by his parents, and sister, Bernadette Kennedy.
Kevin is survived by his wife, Ellen, of North Platte, Nebraska; sons, Kevin Kennedy III and Brian Kennedy, of North Platte, Nebraska, and Edward Kennedy, of Jacksonville, Florida; daughter, Mary Ellen Kennedy, of Omaha, Nebraska; grandchildren, Christopher, Hannah and Ava Kennedy; brothers, Patrick Kennedy, of New York City, NY, and Tom (Cindy) Kennedy and Brian (Shia) Kennedy, of Laguna Beach, CA; sisters, Marianne (Steven) Hadley, of Casco, ME, Maureen Doran, of Holtsville, NY, Rita Mackey, of Islip, NY, Michelle (Jerry) Todd, of Mission Viejo, CA; as well as many other family.
Funeral service will be 11:30 a.m., Wednesday, December 30, 2020, at the North Platte Berean Church. Burial with military honors will follow in Fort McPherson National Cemetery near Maxwell, Nebraska. Services will be recorded and posted to odeanchapel.com. Services will also be live-streamed at https://vimeo.com/495294455
Visitation will be Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore, which is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be shared at odeanchapel.com. In lieu of flowers, memorials are to the 20th Century Veteran's Memorial in North Platte, Nebraska.