Funeral service for Joe Dan Kennedy, age 86 of Sulphur Springs, will be held at 10:00 A.M. on Monday, November 6, 2023 at First Baptist Church with Dr. Jeff Gravens officiating and Dr. Roy Edgemon assisting. Interment will follow at Restlawn Memorial Park with Bo Vaculik, Charlie Vaculik, Brad Jennings, Jim Jennings, Brett Dietze, Jason Dietze, David Gideon, and David Watson serving as pallbearers. Visitation will be held from 6 to 8 P.M. at Murray-Orwosky Funeral Chapel on Sunday, November 5, 2023. Mr. Kennedy passed away on Wednesday, November 1, 20 23 at his residence.
Joe Dan Kennedy was born to William Valton and Mary Lou Pounds Kennedy on October 2, 1937, in Martin Springs, Hopkins County, Texas. He attended Austin Elementary and was a 1956 graduate of Sulphur Springs High School. Joe’s college years were spent at Texas Tech and East Texas State University. One of his college summers was spent developing the first complete map of all city streets and utilities in Sulphur Springs. After college, Joe served in the U.S. Army for two years, transferred to the U.S. Air Force Reserve, and was honorably discharged in June 1968. Joe married Pamela Jo Grant on December 1, 1962, and was happily married for 41 years before her death in 2003. Joe served as a Deacon and Elder at First Christian Church and taught Sunday School for over 30 years. He followed Jesus Christ and shared his faith with many people and his love of God shaped his entire life. Joe began his career as a Real Estate Broker in 1969, specializing in Farm and Ranch properties.
Over a span of 60 years, he bought, sold, and developed farm and ranch, residential, and commercial properties; though none more fulfilling than the partnership started with his son, Jonathan, in 1995. Joe was a Charter member of the First National Bank, First American Bank, and First American Mortgage Company. He served as Chairman of the City Planning and Zoning Commission and was Chairman of the Hopkins County Appraisal Review Board. No property or endeavor has been as special and dear to Joe as his beloved Kennedy Cabin and Family Farm. Since 1968, most of his spare time was spent there building a lake and cabin, farming and gardening, occasionally raising cattle, and planning one project after the other. Nothing gave him more happiness and satisfaction than seeing family and friends enjoying time at The Farm. Joe loved traveling the U.S. and all around the world and enjoyed many wonderful trips and adventures with family and friends. Joe’s interests were vast – art, music literature, and culture. He built an impressive collection of books and music. Joe was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Pam, his parents, a sister, Billie Lou Kennedy Johnston, and a brother, John Wayne Kennedy.
Joe married Mandy Underwood Leos on February 2, 2007. She survives. He is also survived by his son and daughter, Jonathan Grant Kennedy, and wife, April, and Jennifer Jo Massey; Mandy’s family, David W. Leos and wife Karen; Karyn Petty and husband Jason; Joseph Leos, and Sarah Leos. Also adored grandchildren, Trenton Kennedy, Megan Massey Mullinnix and husband Jordan; Madeline Massey Stephens and husband CJ; Chloe Kennedy, Caroline Leos, Connor Leos, and Rainer Goodman; brothers-in-law Glyn Johnston, Jackie Grant and wife Deanna, Mark Grant and wife Molly; nieces and nephews Pam Mahaffey, Bob Johnston, Jeff Kennedy, John Michael Kennedy, Jordan Grant, Whitney King, Ethan Grant, Alexi Grant.
In lieu of flowers, the family would be honored by a donation in Joe’s memory to one’s church or favorite charity.
Arrangements are under the direction of Murray-Orwosky Funeral Home.
The online register can be signed at www.murrayorwosky.com
