RICHARD E. KENNEDY, 75, of Ruma, Illinois, passed away at 12:25 am, Thursday, June 11, 2015 at Red Bud Regional Hospital, Red Bud, Illinois. He was born to the late William M. and Leona A. (nee Laurent) Kennedy, Jr. on January 30, 1940 in Ames, Illinois. He married Phyllis Fadler on November 10, 1962 in Prairie du Rocher, Illinois; she survives. Richard was an exceptional mechanic and over the years worked, as a welder for Luhr Brothers, a heavy equipment operator/mechanic for Captain Coal Mines, an operating Engineer for Local #520 in Granite City, Illinois, United Mine Workers and Ron Hayden Wrecking Company. He was a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church in Ruma, Illinois. Richard was also a patriot. He was Army Vietnam Veteran and a longtime member of the American Legion Post #622 in Prairie du Rocher. He recently received his 50 year membership certificate this past Memorial Day weekend. Richard's best day and favorite pastime were cutting fire wood for the winter, working with leather, raising and riding horses, fishing and hunting, but most of all playing with his children and grandchildren. He also enjoyed a good game of Euchre with his friend. Through all the tough times, Richard always had a smile on his face! He was the funny guy who, at an instant, could put a smile on your face. He will be greatly missed by many family and friends. Survivors: Wife: Phyllis Kennedy Ruma, IL 3 Children: Mike (Kris) Kennedy Ruma, IL Roger Kennedy Red Bud, IL Robin (Kerry) Steinmann Red Bud, IL 4 Siblings: Darlene Frisch Columbia, IL Paul (Rosalie) Kennedy Waterloo, IL Marlene (Everett) DeRousse Lee Summit, MO Marvin Kennedy Prairie du Rocher, IL 11 Grandchildren 2 Great Grandchildren Many Nieces, Nephews, Cousins and Friends Preceded in death by Parents, 1 Daughter - Michelle Traube in 2007, 3 Brothers - Robert, Harold and William Kennedy and 1 Sister - Auvergne Kennedy Funeral Mass: 10:00 am, Monday, June 15, 2015 St. Patrick Catholic Church, Ruma, Illinois Officiating: Msgr. Dennis Schaefer Interment: St. Patrick Catholic Cemetery Ruma, Illinois Visitation: Sunday - 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm Monday - 8:00 am - 9:30 am Welge-Pechacek Funeral Home, Red Bud, Illinois Memorials: St. Patrick Catholic Church American Legion Post #622 St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
