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William Robert
“Bill” Kennedy

William Robert “Bill” Kennedy

Jennings - William Robert “Bill” Kennedy, 92 of Jennings, passed from this life on Sunday, Dec. 4, 2016. Bill was born Friday, Oct. 17, 1924, to Clovis A. and Odette Dubus Kennedy in Rayne.
He is preceded in death by his parents, his wife of 67 years, Betty Lou Babineaux Kennedy, one brother, Clovis A. “Toot” Kennedy Jr.; and one sister, Gay Kennedy Barnes.
Bill is survived by his two children, his son Robert William “Kenny” Kennedy and wife Charlotte of Crowley, and his daughter Colleen Kennedy-Watson and husband Guary of Deridder; six grandchildren, Beth, Clay, Casey, Christine, Brandon, and Paul; 15 great grandchildren. He is also survived by three sisters, Geraldine “Ged” Kennedy Gueno and Arlene Kennedy Tyner, both of Rayne; and Patricia “Pat” Kennedy of St. Rose; one brother, Gustavus “Gus” Kennedy and wife Verna of Pasadena, Texas.
As a young boy, he played with model airplanes with hopes of being a fighter pilot someday. In 1942, after graduating from Rayne High he attended Southwest Louisiana Institute in Lafayette, (ULL) until volunteering for the Army Air Corps at the beginning of World War II at the age of 18. He served for three years piloting transport aircraft flying the “Burma Hump,” reaching the rank of First Lieutenant. He received the Bronze Star and 3 Oak Clusters.
After traveling completely around the world with the military, he returned to Rayne, and married Betty on Dec. 27, 1947.
Bill flew approximately 100,000 hours in private planes, seaplanes, crop dusters and as a private pilot for Fred Zigler of Jennings until his retirement at age 59. He was known as the oldest crop duster in south Louisiana and survived three crashes.
After joining the Catholic Church, Bill became a volunteer lector at Our Lady Help of Christian Church in Jennings.
A Memorial Mass to honor Bill’s life will be held on Friday, Dec. 9, at 11 a.m. at Our Lady Help of Christians Catholic Church in Jennings with Father Charles McMillin officiating.
Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery with Military Rites.
The family wishes to thank everyone who were so kind and supportive while caring for Mr. Bill.
In lieu of flowers, donations may made to Louisiana Hospice, 5422 Kade Drive, Jennings, LA 70546.
To extend online condolences, please visit our website at www.matthewsandsonfuneralhome.net
Arrangements have been entrusted to Matthews & Son Funeral Home, (337) 824-4420, 511 N. Cutting Ave., Jennings.

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