Clarence Kennedy

Clarence Edward Kennedy, former resident of Ralston and current resident of rural Ponca City, passed Friday, January 23, 2015 at his home. He was 86 years of age.

Clarence was born December 27, 1928 in Ponca City, the second child of five born to Gilbert Lawrence Kennedy Sr. and Myrtle Mae (Tanner) Kennedy. He attended first through eighth grade at the old Foster School in Ponca City. From ninth grade to eleventh grade he attended Ponca City High School. The family then moved to Grainola where he graduated with the class of 1946.

After high school Clarence went to work for his Uncle Cy Tanner until he joined the Air Force at the age of 21. Following completion of boot camp he was stationed at Sheppard Air Force Base, Wichita Falls, Texas. While in the Air Force Clarence was an aircraft mechanic, attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant. On October 21, 1951 he married Irvaline L. Rogers in the Federated Church at Ralston. The couple moved to Iowa Park, Texas until his discharge in January of 1954. His job took him to many places that included Arvin, California, Torrance, California and Wilmington, California. He worked for Douglas Aircraft, building aircraft in the Torrance plant.

In June of 1959 the family moved to Ralston where he started working for his father-in-law, Ira "Buck" Rogers at the Phillips 66 and LP Gas station. After Buck retired Clarence leased the business and worked there until his retirement in 1995. Clarence also operated the Snapper Lawnmower Dealership in Ralston some 15 plus years, having won several sales awards that included trips to Hawaii, San Juan, Puerto Rico, and a Caribbean Cruise. The couple had moved to Ponca City in 1985 with Clarence making the drive to Ralston each working day for 10 years prior to his retirement. Clarence had also served as the Ralston American Legion Commander for 25 years and the Mayor of Ralston for 10 years.

His greatest joy in his life was his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He loved to read and had a great knowledge of the Bible. He enjoyed painting, woodworking, working crossword puzzles, fishing and watching the Wheel of Fortune, Jeopardy and the Price is Right.

His is survived by his wife, Irvaline, of the home; five children, Dennis Kennedy and wife Marville, of Fairfax, David Kennedy and companion Karen Holmes of Ponca City, Roger Kennedy and wife Nancy, of Ralston, Kerri Yandell, and Doug Kennedy and wife Isolde (Uschi) Kennedy.

Grandchildren; David Kennedy, Jimmie Kennedy, Chantary Kennedy, Morgan Yandell, Chassidy Dennise Ashlock, Jared Lance Ashlock, Syarra Rene Kennedy, Elexia Faith Ashlock, Destinie Hope Ashlock, Maegan Kathleen Kennedy, Raeya Starr Kennedy, Audrey Skye Albright, Aiden Lee Albright, Christa Rose Kennedy, Kourtney Davis, Caitlin Wood, Dejah Covick, Caleb Kennedy, Chance Yandell, Sean Edward Kennedy, Jacqueline Kennedy, Gilbert Kennedy, Cyndell Rianne Kennedy, Samantha Ross, and Chrissy Kennedy; 34 great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Joe Kennedy Sr.; granddaughter Brooke DeAnna Kennedy and great grandchild Siobhan Taylor Cliburn-Kennedy.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, January 28, 2015 at the Ralston Bible Church with Rev. George Weston, former pastor of the Fairfax First Christian Church presiding. Burial will follow in the Ralston Riverside Cemetery under the direction of the Hunsaker-Wooten Funeral Home of Fairfax.

Casket bearers are David Michael Kennedy, Chantary Judd Kennedy, Caleb Roger Kennedy, Jimmie Lee Kennedy, Sean Edward Kennedy, Mark Chance Yandell, Gilbert Lawrence Kennedy III and Benjamin Dylan Kennedy. Honorary casket bearers are Larry Dooley, Terry Dooley, Kenneth Clark, Dewayne "Wezil" Parsons, Mike Bartlett and Jim Bartlett.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tennessee 38105 or to Hospice of North Central Oklahoma, 445 Fairview Ave. Ponca City, Oklahoma 74601.

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