Jesse Kennedy
</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[Jesse Kennedy, 79, of Du Quoin, passed away at 8:05 p.m., Friday, Oct. 29, 2010 at the Fair Acres Nursing Home in Du Quoin.
Jesse was a retired welder pipefitter, having worked for various coal mines and construction projects including United Electric and Baldwin Power Plant. He also ran his own radiator business and taught a welding class that allowed several of his students to pass the rigorous exam required in obtaining work in this technical field.
He was born Sept. 4, 1931 in Du Quoin, the son of Algernon (Al) and Elsie (Wilson) Kennedy.
Jesse married Violet Lou Hall of Dowell, Ill. on Jan. 10, 1952 in Charlton County, Georgia.
He is survived by five daughters- Janis(Johnny) Jokisch of Olney, Ill., Glenna (Larry) Pfau of Pinckneyville, Ill., Marla Mitchell of Du Quoin, Ill., Dianne (Larry) Sims of Du Quoin, Ill., Karen Keller of St. Albans, Vt., one son- David Kennedy of Du Quoin, Ill., one brother- Mell Kennedy of St. Augustine Beach, Fla., 15 grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his wife, parents and granddaughter Emily Pfau.
Jesse served proudly in the United States Navy, serving as a Aircraft Mechanic 2nd Class during the Korean War. He was honorably discharged in 1953. He was a member of the Du Quoin VFW Post 513 and served as Commander in 1967. During that time he was awarded the coveted White Hat for an extraordinary membership drive. He was also a member of the Du Quoin American Legion Post 647 and its drill team that competed state-wide. He loved serving in the Navy and through the 60's, 70's and 80's was proud to be part of the VFW and what it stood for.
Jesse was probably most known for his talent with the cue stick and how shooting pool caused him to cross paths with pool sharks across the country including Minnesota Fats. He was a master of the game and was a well respected professional in his younger years. In his retirement he continued his love of the sport by creating customized cue sticks for a long list of customers.
Jesse was proud of his family (ëyou kids' as he would call his children) and felt them to be the most positive result of his life. He enjoyed living at the City Lake watching the wild life, riding on his mini pontoon boat, and piddling in his workshop. Although he was basically an unassuming man, not many could compete with his quick wit. He didn't know a stranger.
Visitation was held from 5 to 8 p.m., Monday, Nov. 1, 2010 at the Searby Funeral Home in Du Quoin.
A graveside service for family and close friends was at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, Nov. 2, 2010 at the Primitive Baptist Cemetery at Du Quoin. Family members officiated an intimate service.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made in Jesse's name to Primitive Baptist Cemetery organization or Gold Plate and will be accepted at the funeral home.
The family would like to extend their thanks and gratitude to his neighbors and friends, those loving individuals at Fair Acres Nursing Home who genuinely cared about him, and Dr. Furry and his staff for their sensitivity and guidance. Your support through his many months of health issues did not go unnoticed and is much appreciated.
For additional information or to sign the memorial guest register, please visit www.searbyfuneralhomes.com.