Lonnie Ray Kennedy died at his home in Norman, Okla., Sunday, Feb. 27, 2011, surrounded by his loving family. He was born Dec. 24, 1934, in Erie, to Bertha Mae Stout and Samuel Dee Kennedy. He grew up in Chanute and graduated there. In 1956, he married Sallie Ward. This marriage was blessed with two children, Lea Ann and Chris. In 1997, he retired from the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad with a total of 45 years. He also completed 20 years in the Air National Guard. He was a 32nd degree Mason. After retirement, he worked with the Union Baptist Mission Builders, First Baptist Church in the Bikes and Bibles Program, he was also a Greeter on Sunday morning. He loved life and he loved people. He was a true friend and always had something good to say about everyone. In his spare time, he loved fishing with his grandsons and friends.

“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” Colossians 3:17, was the theme of Lonnie’s life. Whether he was driving the train, serving his country, gardening, mowing, doing volunteer work, or repairing things at home, he did his best. Punctuality was important to him; he ran on railroad time. He loved and served his family, his church, his country, and his friends.

Survivors include his wife, Sallie, of the home, daughter Lea Ann Johns and husband, Donnie, of Owasso, Okla.; three grandchildren Ryan, Brandon, and Holly; son Chris, Norman; brother, Paul, Coffeyville; sisters-in-law, Faye Kennedy, Memphis, Mo., Betty Cavnar, Ardmore, Okla., Bobbie Powell and husband, Bob, Purcell, brother-in-law Sonny Ward and wife, Carolyn, of Purcell, Okla.; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Since Lonnie spent years helping to build, enlarge, and repair churches, he would like contributions to be made to the Capital Building Fund, First Baptist Church, 211 W. Comanche, Norman, OK 73069, designated to the East Wing Renovation, a project in which Lonnie was involved.

Visitation will be held 5 to 6 p.m. Wednesday, March 2 at Havenbrook Funeral Home.

Funeral will be 2 p.m. Thursday, March 3 at the First Baptist Church with Dr. Wade Smith officiating. Interment will follow in the family plot at Hillside Cemetery in Purcell under the direction of Havenbrook Funeral Home. Online condolences may be made at www.havenbrookfuneralhome.com