David T. Kennedy

Colonel David T. Kennedy
Battle Creek, Michigan

Dave departed to be with the Lord on 15 August 2016 at his home surrounded by loved ones. He was born in April 1963 in Texas to his cherished parents, Thomas and Janice Kennedy. Dave earned the distinction of being an Eagle Scout at the age of 13. He was a graduate of Detroit Catholic Central and the University of Michigan.

Dave entered the military in 1986 becoming a pilot with the 110th Fighter Wing. He flew the A-37 Dragonfly and then flew over 2,000 hours in the A-10 Warthog. His last assignment was the Commander of the 110th FW Operations Group. During his service he engaged in combat several times and is a highly decorated veteran. His honors include 2 Distinguished Flying Crosses with Valor and a Bronze Star. Dave was proud to serve his country for over 23 years.

While serving his country, he also married the love of his life and best friend, Renee. They were married for over 25 years. He is the proud father of 4 wonderful children and loved his family deeply. In the community, he coached many youth sports to include being the head coach of the Battle Creek Bruins Youth Hockey League for over 11 years. Dave loved hockey and also played in the adult hockey league for many, many years. He lived every day of his life to the fullest.

He is survived by a wonderful loving family, including his beloved wife Renee; his four children, Mark, Scott, Blake (Katelin), and Paige Kennedy; his parents, Thomas and Janice Kennedy; his sisters Colleen (Tom) Montgomery, and Kathleen Kennedy (Peter Lehrman); and his brother Kevin (Anne) Kennedy.

Funeral services to celebrate Dave's life will be 12:30 p.m., Friday, August 19, 2016 at the First Wesleyan Church, 14425 S. Helmer Rd., Battle Creek 49015, officiated by Pastor Josh Hydrick. Interment with full military honors will follow at Fort Custer National Cemetery. A reception will immediately follow at the Air National Guard Base, 3367 W. Dickman Rd., Battle Creek 49037. Visitation will be Thursday, August 18 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care and Friday from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the David Kennedy Scholarship Fund, in c/o Greater Battle Creek Ice Hockey Association (G.B.C.I.H.A.) P.O. Box 2545, Battle Creek, MI 49016. Personal messages for the family may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.