Mark L. Kennedy

Mr. Mark L. Kennedy, 77, of Murray, KY, passed away on Friday, August 15, 2025 at Murray Calloway County Hospital.

Mark was born on March 2, 1948 in Evansville, IN to the late Meredith “Ace” and Maxine Guthrie Kennedy.

Mr. Kennedy served honorably in the United States Marine Corps from 1965 to 1977, including three years in Vietnam from 1966 to 1969. During his military career, he was awarded 14 medals and ribbons, including the American Bronze Star with Combat “V”, the Vietnamese Bronze Star, two Purple Hearts, and the Combat Action Ribbon. His service was further recognized with three Meritorious Masts and three Certificates of Commendation.

Following his military service, he pursued higher education, earning a Bachelor of Business Administration from McKendree University in 1978 and an Associate Degree in Management Information Systems from the University of Kentucky in 1988. He went on to serve with distinction in the United States Postal Service, holding leadership positions including Postmaster in both Murray and Marion, Kentucky, and Manager at the Paducah Post Office. His dedication and integrity left a lasting impact on the communities he served.

Over the course of 33 years, Mark was also a tireless advocate for veterans, serving as a service officer — 24 years with the Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs and 9 years with the American Legion. His work changed the lives of countless veterans and their families.

A passionate community leader, Mr. Kennedy was a past board chairman and member of the United Way of Murray-Calloway County and served as a volunteer ambassador for the Murray-Calloway County Chamber of Commerce. His commitment to youth and sports was equally inspiring — he coached youth soccer for 28 years across Western Kentucky, served as the boys’ high school soccer coach at Calloway County High School for six years, and coached the girls’ team at Murray High School for four years. He also dedicated 14 years to coaching youth baseball in Western Kentucky and Southern Indiana.

He is preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Monte Kennedy and a sister, Marlene Stacer.

Those left to cherish many wonderful memories include his loving wife of 55 years, Mrs. Jackie Kennedy of Murray; two sons, Mark Kennedy (Brooke) of Evansville, IN, Monte M. Kennedy (Nicole) of Murray, KY; a daughter, Jennifer Lynn Haney of Noblesville, IN; two brothers, Mitchell Kennedy and Mickey Kennedy, both of Atlanta, GA; a sister, Melissa McDermott of FL; grandchildren, Kenzie Stanfield, Barkley Haney, Zachary Kennedy, Molly Kennedy, Samuel Kennedy, Penelope Kennedy, Oliver Kennedy and great grandchildren, Christopher Jase Stanfield, Blake Stanfield, Cole Haney.

A funeral mass honoring the life of Mr. Mark Kennedy is set for 10 AM on Monday, August 25, 2025 at St. Leo Catholic Church, 401 North 12th Street, Murray, KY 42071. Fr. Josh McCarty will officiate. Burial with military honors will follow at Kentucky Veterans Cemetery West, 5817 Fort Campbell Blvd, Hopkinsville, KY 42240.

His family welcomes visitors from 4 pm – 7 pm on Sunday, August 24, 2025 at St. Leo Catholic Church.

Expressions of sympathy may take the form of donations to CASA by the Lakes,  P.O. Box 383, Murray, KY 42071.

Please join family and friends in honoring the life of Mr. Mark Kennedy by visiting www.imesfh.com to post your tributes and memories.

Imes Funeral Home is entrusted with caring for his family.