Richard "Red" Leroy Kennedy

Richard "Red" Leroy Kennedy, age 90, of Marion, Ohio, passed away peacefully on March 27, 2025, at Marion General Hospital. Born in Prospect, Ohio, on May 1, 1934, to the late Alvin Kennedy and Cora Hesson, Dick lived a life full of love, laughter, and devotion.

On June 29, 1953, he married the love of his life, Peggy (Irey) Kennedy, and together they shared an incredible 72 years of marriage. Over the years, Dick worked in various roles, including at Big Bear and the Marion Engineering Depot, but he was best known for his 32 years of dedicated service as Captain at Marion Correctional Institution.

Dick's passions included family fishing trips to Canada, camping, riding the rapids, and even square dancing in his younger days. He loved gardening and growing roses, and he found immense joy in spending time with his family, especially the younger generations. Dick relished making cherished memories with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, often taking them to Cedar Point, Chuck E. Cheese, Golden Corral, and even boating expos.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Peggy; his sons, Kevin and Mark (Nancy) Kennedy; his brother, Frank E. (Jeanie) Jackson; his grandchildren, Kelly, Sarah, and Hannah Kennedy, Brandon Fussell, and Allie McComas; and his great-grandchildren, Alyssa James, Laci Applegate, Kashton Thomas, Sunnie Tobias, and Brantley Barlow. He is also remembered fondly by many nieces, nephews, and extended family members and so many other people he had memorable encounters with that called him grandpa. 

Friends and family are invited to honor Dick's life at the Boyd Funeral Home on Tuesday, April 1, 2025 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Funeral services will be held at The First Church of the Nazarene on Wednesday, April 2, 2025 at 2pm, with Dr. Steve Estep officiating. Committal services will follow immediately at Caledonia Cemetery.

The Boyd Funeral Home is honored to assist the Kennedy family during this time of remembrance.

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