Burges Darrell Kennedy

B. Darrell Kennedy Strength, no fear of hard work, love of his family, friendly demeanor, joy found in the small things of life are all characteristics that marked the life of Darrell Kennedy.Add to those a fine mind, ability to build or fix anything, determination and faith and you begin to see a picture of this good, decent man. Daddy was born at home on December 12, 1920 about 10 miles east of Terral, Oklahoma.He died January 10, 2008 at Presbyterian Hospital in Dallas, Texas.He was 87.His parents were Ira See and Iva Green Kennedy.He was big brother to Katie Belle and Forrest Dean.All preceded him in death. Growing up on a small farm in south central Oklahoma during the Great Depression, Daddy was no stranger to hard work. He attended school near their family farm, and because of his intelligence, was moved ahead two grades in elementary school. He had to leave school for a time before graduation to help his family make a living. He later was able to return under a special program that provided work to earn wages and graduated from Bray High School.Knowing his family still needed help, he moved to Amarillo, Texas where he worked a number of jobs including assisting in the construction of the Pantex Helium Plant, general carpentry, optical technician and then went to work for the Santa Fe Railroad in 1946. While waiting to be called to serve his country during World War II, he met and married Gwyneth Elder on December 1, 1943. They celebrated 64 years together last month. He continued his career with Santa Fe, all in the Freight Claims Department. He retired in 1983 after 37 years with AT&SF. Before and during his retirement, his happiest hours were spent in his workshop doing woodwork and carpentry; in his garden growing vegetables and flowers and composting; and supporting any activity in which his children or grandchildren were involved. He was a scout leader and a coach and attended lots of ball games, plays, concerts and recitals! He also loved music.He played the guitar and sang.In his younger years, he played with and was a vocalist for a country western band called "The Hillbilly Playboys."Until illness made it impossible, he frequently led singing for his Sunday School Class and senior adult group " The 39"ers.He was a faithful, long-time member of the Highland Oaks Church of Christ, serving as a deacon and an usher. Daddy loved and did everything to support and care for his family. Besides his "day" job with Santa Fe, he often worked additional part-time jobs to provide for the family. He worked at a grocery store, gas station and lots and lots of carpentry and re-modeling jobs on weekends. He also used his musical talent and played many Saturday nights to earn extra money. The family that survives him includes his loving wife for 64 years, Gwyneth, of Mesquite, Texas. Also, surviving are his son, Mike Kennedy and his wife Gail of Paris, Texas; daughter Debbie Christian and her husband Richard of Mesquite; daughter Pam Moss and her husband, Ronnie of Mansfield, Texas.Nine grandchildren survive. They include: Keely, Kristin and Kyle Kennedy of Paris; Jenny Gouge and her husband Jeff of Garland, Texas, Lindsay Edge and her husband Kevin of Arlington, Texas, Callie Christian of Mesquite and Bethany Christian of Austin, Texas; Stephanie Moss of Midlothian, Texas and Jeff Moss and his wife, Stefanie of Carrollton, Texas.He had six great-grandchildren from ages 13 years to 5 months. A sister-in-law, Alyce Gene Pauwels of Lubbock, Texas, numerous nieces and nephews, cousins and many dear friends and colleagues also survive. His long life was well-lived. He was worthy of trust, loyal, hard-working and loving. A good, decent man, his presence made the world a better place. It was an honor to bear his name. He leaves a legacy of faith, the example of a servant and many who will miss him. An interment service for the family, although all are welcome, will take place at 10 a.m. followed by a Memorial Service at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, January 21. The location is the New Hope Funeral Home, 500 E. Highway 80, Sunnyvale, TX 75182. Memorial contributions to any worthy cause in his name will be welcomed by the family. "The Lord delights in the way of the man whose steps he has made firm; though he stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand." Psalm 37:23-24.