Dennis Ray Kennedy of Hopkins died Thursday, Sept. 9, at Metro Health Hospital in Wyoming. He was 73.
Born Feb. 7, 1948, in Kalamazoo, he was the son of the late Dale and Eleanor (Dingman) Kennedy of Comstock. Dennis was a 1966 Comstock High School graduate who ended up being drafted into the United States Army in 1967, serving in the 9th Infantry. His service in the Vietnam War led Dennis to be a highly decorated infantryman who was awarded three purple hearts along with several other medals.
Dennis married Judy Davis on April 6, 1968, 12 days before leaving for Vietnam. Together they raised their three children and settled in Hopkins.
Dennis spent 29 years working for the Perrigo Company before retiring. He was very dedicated to the Hopkins Athletic Boosters, serving f or more than 40 years. Many people came to know Dennis as the “Popcorn Man” and always looked forward to seeing him.
- Dennis had a love for the outdoors and was an avid hunter and fisherman. When his grandchildren came along, he enjoyed being a “grampie” and especially loved watching them play ball.Dennis is survived by his wife, Judy; their children, Jennifer (Cory) Miller, Dennis (Tabitha) Kennedy and Robert Kennedy; five grandchildren, Jefferson (Destiny), Carlina (Vinne), Cameron, Tori (Mason) and Colton; two brothers, Don (Sally) and Doug (Della); sisters-in-law, Barb Kennedy, Dorothy Wilson, June Krug, Joyce Jones and Carrie (John) Mulder; brothers-in-law, Bob (Fran) Wilson and Chuck (Deel) Davis.Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his mother-in-law, Minerva Davis; two sisters, Marilyn Kennedy and Judy Abraham; brother, Randy Kennedy; brothers-in-law, Omer Wilson, Lester Wilson, Bill Wilson, Russell Davis and Walter Krug; sisters-in-law, Irene Wilson and Lucy Davis.Friends may meet with the family from 6 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 14 at the Hopkins Community Church, where the funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 15.
In lieu of flowers donations may. be made to the Hopkins Area Fire Department 200 East Main St., Hopkins.
