Stanley Mark Kennedy, 63, of Metropolis, passed away at home surrounded by love with his family by his side on June 22, 2016. Mark was diagnosed with stage 4 esophageal cancer in March of 2015. His strong will to live, unwavering faith in God, and the love and prayers from family and friends helped him valiantly fight this battle for the past 15 months. Throughout all the trials this horrendous disease brings with it, Mark never lost his bright, positive attitude everyone knew and loved about him.
Memorial services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, June 24, 2016 at the Lutheran Church of the Cross in Metropolis with Rev. David Deem officiating. Private burial will be held at a later date.
Mark was born in Riverside hospital in Paducah, KY on April 17, 1953 to Jim and Mary Kennedy. He was baptized at St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church and continued on to be a charter member of Lutheran Church of the Cross. Mark was a devoted husband, brother, father, papa and friend above all else. After losing his wife 16 years ago, he stepped up to be one of the best parents and role models his children have ever known. After seeing both his children graduate high school and college, he transitioned to be the most amazing papa as well and those bonds will remain unbreakable.
Mark graduated from Metropolis Community High School in 1971 and attended Wartburg College in Waverly, IA. He came back to Metropolis and worked at Laidlaw Corp. for 35 years until he was laid off in 2008 and then took on the challenge of going back to school and obtaining his appliance repair license. He successfully opened his own business and won the hearts of many of his customers with his dedication to help out whenever and however he could.
Mark is survived by his mother, Mary Kennedy of Metropolis; brother, Steve Kennedy of Metropolis; his children, Amber Kennedy of Paducah, KY and Caleb Kennedy of Chicago, IL; and his grandson, Karson Powell of Paducah, KY.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Teresa Kennedy and his father Jim Kennedy.
Visitation will be held on Friday, June 24, from 9:00 a.m. until the service hour at 11:00 a.m. at the Lutheran Church of the Cross in Metropolis.
Memorial contributions may take the form of donations to Lutheran Church of the Cross 2601 North Ave Metropolis, IL 62960.
Aikins-Farmer Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
Online condolences may be left at www.aikinsfarmer-millerfh.com.
