Donald E. Kennedy

Donald E. Kennedy

May 24, 1932    November 8, 2017

     Donald E. Kennedy, 85, Huntingdon, formerly of Martinsburg and Roaring Spring, passed away early Wednesday morning at Centre Crest, Bellefonte.  He was born in West Chester, the only child of the late, Jacob Moore and Elva Lenoir (Van Sant) Kennedy.  On July 21, 1950, he married Betty Jane Johnson at the Doe Run Presbyterian Church.  She preceded him in death on June 17, 2017, just short of their 67th wedding anniversary.

     Surviving are 7 children and their spouses; Belinda Pryma ( husband, Lee) of Gap, Jeffrey  (wife, Beth) of Pleasant Gap, Melissa Kennedy (husband, Bill Shreve) of Dauphin, Leslie Swisher (husband, Mitchell) of Wind Ridge, Matthew (wife, Renee) of Bellefonte, Keith (wife, Amy) of Schellsburg and Chris (partner, Tess) of Altoona.  Donald was Pop Pop to 11 grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren.

     He along with his wife, Betty Jane raised their seven children and served as foster parents to over forty children, many of them newborns.  Donald always credited Betty’s constant care for their happy, healthy family, but despite his long hours in the barn, he made time to play card games, badminton and attend their children’s school activities.

     Donald, who spent his life working as a dairy herdsman, also loved showing cattle.  He was particularly proud of the many show winners that he bred, including an All American Ayrshire.  Donald took great pleasure in spending time with his family, cheering on the Penn State Nittany Lions, and writing letters to editors on a variety of topics.  He was a member of Harvest Abundant Life Center, Claysburg.

     A public graveside service will be held at 1:30pm, Sunday, November 12, 2017 at Spring Hope Cemetery, Martinsburg, Pastor Ronald Page officiating.  Arrangements are by John K. Bolger Funeral Home Inc., Martinsburg.

     bolgerfuneralhome.com