Donald Ritchard Kennedy

Donald Ritchard Kennedy, age 96 of Murfreesboro, Arkansas, passed away on Thursday, October 6, 2022 in Nashville. He was born on September 11, 1926 in Glenwood to the late Ottis Kennedy Sr. and Carrie Wisener Kennedy.

Donald served his country in the United States Army during World War II. He received the World War II Victory Medal and an Occupational Medal for his achievements.

After his Army service, Donald hitchhiked to California where he started his logging and orchard work to make his living. After years of work there, Donald moved back to Arkansas where he started his own logging and cattle business. Donald served as deacon at the Maple Springs Baptist Church in the Roy community for over 40 years. He was a cattle rancher and logger. He was a family man and loved his wife, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren along with all of his nieces and nephews. He enjoyed reminiscing of his travels in Europe while in the Army. He often told stories of the old days growing up. He always said his greatest joy in life was raising his kids and grandkids.

In addition to his parents, Donald was preceded in death by four brothers Royston, Gilbert, Lewis “Bud” and Charles Kennedy and two sisters Jane Ann Kennedy and Dorothy Partain.

Survivors include his loving wife of 67 years, Melvin Mower Kennedy; one son Ronald Kennedy (Sharon); two daughters Lisa Kennedy and Julie Cherry (Jimmy Don); seven grandchildren Cody Kennedy, Kyle Kennedy, Dylan Kennedy, Hanah Kennedy (Nick Smith), Haley Kennedy, Dalton Cherry, and Levi Cherry; two great-grandchildren Wyatt Smith and Vera Smith; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, other family and friends.

Viewing hours will be from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 8, 2022 at Latimer Funeral Home in Murfreesboro.

Funeral services will be at 10:00 a.m. on Sunday, October 9, 2022 in the Latimer Funeral Home Chapel in Murfreesboro. Interment will follow in Murfreesboro Cemetery.

You may send an online sympathy message at www.latimerfuneralhome.com