Ralph J. Kennedy

Ralph J. Kennedy, 92, of Holmes Twp. died Monday December 19, 2022 at his home after a recent bout of poor health.

He was born in Bucyrus on November 22, 1930 to the late Milford and Marie (Kimble) Kennedy. Ralph was raised on the family farm he would call home and work at his entire life. He graduated from Holmes-Liberty High School in 1948 where he was active in the FFA. Ralph married his sweetheart, Joyce A. Hawkins on November 12, 1950 and they worked together, raising dairy cattle and growing crops. Work didn’t allow Ralph to get away much, but he did look forward to a day at the Ohio State Fair each summer along with the occasional visit to the Farm Science Review. Along with his livestock, Ralph enjoyed the company of several loyal farm dogs over the years. He was a former member of the Farm Bureau and the former Harmony EUB Church. He also served on the Wynford School Board for eight years. He’ll be remembered for his honest, straightforward approach to life and work.

Ralph is survived by his bride of 72 years, Joyce Kennedy; daughter, Kim (Dennis) Koehler; grandson, Benjamin (Julie) Rexroad; and great grandson, Tyler Rexroad. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by brother and sister-in-law, Gordon and Doris Kennedy.

Services will be held on Wednesday, December 28 at Wise Funeral Service in Bucyrus. Family will receive friends from 11-11:55 am and the funeral will begin at 12 Noon with Pastor Paul Altstadt officiating. Burial will follow in Oceola Cemetery.

Memorial donations are encouraged to be made payable to Antioch Christian Church or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and given through the funeral home. Memories and photos can be shared on Ralph’s Tribute Wall.