Patrick J. Kennedy, 91, a devoted family man, successful businessman, and dedicated community member, passed away peacefully on Friday, October 25, 2024, at St. Elizabeth Healthcare. He leaves a legacy of service, commitment, and love for family and his community.

Pat was born on October 9, 1933, in Lafayette, Indiana to Paul and Theone Kennedy. He graduated from Marmion Academy, Aurora, Illinois in 1952 and Purdue University in 1960. In 1954, Pat was drafted into the military where he trained in combat engineering at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, and later assisted in building runways for the Air Force in Mineral Wells, Texas.

Pat married Pearl Hardebeck in 1955. Together they moved to Oxford, Indiana in 1956 where he resumed his education at Purdue University, earning a degree in Agricultural Economics in 1960. Pat and Pearl raised a loving family of eight children: John (Bennita), Kathryn (Thomas), Stephen (Laura), Thomas (Darcy), Rosanne (Steven), Joseph (Donita), David (Suzanne), and Christopher. Pat cherished his role as a father, grandfather, and great grandfather.

After losing his wife in 2004, Pat married Marge Wilson who has been by his side as a loving wife and companion until his death.

Professionally, Pat's career in agriculture began in 1963 when he managed a large beef cattle farm in Murphy, North Carolina. Returning to Indiana, he joined Ralston Purina in sales and later managed Morning Star Fertilizer, eventually becoming the owner in 1975. Pat considered it a privilege to serve the local farming community, which he held in the highest regard.

A devout Catholic, Pat was a long-standing member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, where he served on the Parish Council. His community involvement was extensive, including serving on the Indiana Plant Food and Agricultural Chemical Association board, Knights of Columbus, Township Advisory Council, Carroll County Pork Producers, and boards supporting Habitat for Humanity and the Farmers Home Administration. A loyal Purdue alumnus, Pat was active in the John Purdue Club and the Purdue Club of Carroll County.

Pat is preceded in death by his wife Pearl, and his sons, Steve and Chris.

Service: The visitation will be Thursday at Abbott Funeral Home, Inc., Delphi, from 10am to 1130am. A funeral mass will be held at St Joseph Catholic Church, Delphi at 12pm, Fr. Chris Miller officiating. Burial will be at St. Jospeh Catholic Cemetery, Delphi. To view his obit or send an online condolence to the family, visit: www.abbottfuneralhome.com.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Patrick's name to the Carroll County Community Foundation.