William Kennedy Sr.

William Doyle Kennedy, Sr., 63, of Atlantic, Iowa, passed away Wednesday, October 14, 2015, at his home in Atlantic.

He was born December 6, 1951, to Lindin and June (Noblitt) Kennedy in Brawley, California. William joined the United States Navy when he was 17 years old. He served in Vietnam, had three polar expeditions, and was the torpedo-man's mate Technical Chief (E-7). William was united in marriage to Suzan Kay Hummon on December 15, 1972, in Savannah, Georgia. He was making a career of the Navy so the couple made their home in various places including Washington, California, Hawaii, Virginia, Connecticut and Arizona. As he continued to grow with his career in the Navy, his family grew and three children were born, William Jr., Michelle and Alan. The family then moved to Iowa. William and Suzan divorced in 1990.

William later met and married Donna on April 4, 1998, in Fremont, Nebraska. He returned to college and obtained his Master's degree in counseling. He then worked as a drug and alcohol counselor in Lincoln for about 5 years. Donna and William moved a bit as well before William felt the need to be closer to his children so they moved to Atlantic. William then became active in the Cass County Democratic Party and the local American Legion.

He was very proud of his time serving in the United States Navy for over 20 years and loved doing it. When he was younger he was fascinated with taking things apart and putting them back together. He could fix anything. William loved his children. He also had a great passion for dogs and having dogs around.

William is survived by his wife, Donna Kennedy of Atlantic, IA; his children, William (Emily) Kennedy, Jr. of Elliot, IA, Michelle (Jon) Gifford of Atlantic, IA and Alan (Chris) Kennedy of Atlantic, IA; his step-children, Jeanie (Alan) Kirschen of Red Oak, IA and Craig (Nancy) Poole of Omaha, NE; his grandchildren, Ariana and Aiden Kennedy, Sidney, Chloe and Tiffany Gifford; other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Lindin and June Kennedy.

There will be a gathering to celebrate his life from 4:00 - 6:00 p.m. with a prayer service and military honors starting at 4:30 p.m., on Thursday, October 22, 2015, at Hockenberry Family Care in Atlantic, Iowa.