LARRY KENNEDY

Larry Ellis (Bunky) Kennedy, age 80, of Versailles, Missouri, died at his home on December 18, 2025. He was born on July 25, 1945, in Canton, Missouri, to Luther Ellis and Mabel (Morton) Kennedy.
Larry was a 1963 graduate of Canton High School. From November 1965 to November 1967, he proudly served his country in the United States Army with the 9th Infantry Division.  He wore his Army hat with pride and loved when people would approach him and thanked him for his service.  He was a member of the American Legion Post 578 where he met a good friend John Shumate, the two worked diligently side by side at the Lewis County Fair Legion Stand.  Larry provided for his family from an early age with many hard working jobs, beginning when he was only twelve years old sacking groceries at the local food center.  He has many memories and made friends along the way.  
On July 10, 1966, Larry married Linda June Smith, and together they shared a lifetime built on love, family, and faith. Larry greatly enjoyed spending time with his wife and their two daughters, Andrea Kennedy and Jackie Kennedy, both of Versailles, Missouri.
Larry had a deep love for the outdoors and for working with his hands. He enjoyed gardening, hunting, fishing, and tinkering in his garage, especially building decorations and projects for the holidays. Halloween and Christmas were his favorite times of the year, and his love for the seasons was evident to anyone who drove by his home. In the garden, Larry was especially known for making the best tomato cages and cultivating blackberry vines admired for miles around.
He also enjoyed watching sports, faithfully cheering on the St. Louis Cardinals every year and was an avid sprint car fan.   
Larry is survived by his loving wife, Linda; his daughters, Andrea and Jackie; as well as two sisters-in-law, Shirley Anderson and Karen, several nieces, nephews, cousins, and his “nuther” family who he admittedly adored with all his heart. 
He was preceded in death by his parents, Luther and Mabel Kennedy; his father- and mother-in-law, Clifton and Velva Smith; his five brothers and two sisters and a loving niece, Linda Lee Gagner and Ruthie McCutchen who he lovingly considered as his other daughter. 
A celebration of life will be held Saturday, January 3, 2026 at the Oak Hill Hotel in Canton Missouri from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. 
To honor Larry’s memory, memorial donations may be made to his wife Linda, who will ensure they are given to the many causes and joys he held dear.  Cards and condolences are welcome and may be sent to Linda, Andrea, or Jackie Kennedy at 302 East Lafayette Street, Versailles, Missouri 65084. 
Larry will be remembered for his devotion to family, his service to his country, his craftsmanship, and the warmth he brought to those who knew and loved him.
Expressions of sympathy may be left online at www.kidwellgarber.com.  Arrangements are under the direction and care of the Kidwell-Garber Funeral Home of Versailles.