William Kennedy, Sr.

William J. “Bill” Kennedy, Sr., 70, of Lafayette, passed away at Franciscan St. Elizabeth Hospital East in Lafayette Saturday January 29, 2022 at 7:27 PM. Bill was born in Lafayette July 4, 1951 to the late Joseph R. and Elizabeth C. (Brouwer) Kennedy, Jr. and was a graduate of Lafayette Central Catholic High School. He married Debbie M. Sowders in Delphi, IN August 28, 1970 and she survives. Bill was a member of St. Lawrence Catholic Church and a member and served as vice president of UAW Local 2117 for sixteen years. He was a retired machinist, employed by Fairfield Manufacturing for 40 years. Known as the “Gravedigger”, Bill had a passion for many things. Early in his life, Bill loved riding Harley-Davidsons. As time progressed, Bill loved swinging on his porch and feeding the squirrels in the backyard. Throughout his life, Bill always enjoyed socializing at the Union Hall and eating breakfast at the Tick Tock. Bill was also an avid sports fan – always cheering for the Chicago Cubs, Indianapolis Colts, and Purdue Boilermakers. Bill’s greatest love, though, was his family. And his family adored him. Surviving with his wife, Debbie is a son, William J. “Billy Joe” Kennedy, Jr. (Shawn), two daughters, Amber Kennedy and Danielle Brooks, both of Lafayette, a brother, Pete Kennedy of Phoenix, AZ, and by two sisters, Sharron Kennedy (Pat Rund) of Romney, IN and Beth Sowders (Duane) of Lafayette, IN. Also surviving are eleven grandchildren, Jordan, Jacob, Evan, Grant, Mason, Jack, Joseph, Abbey, Kali, Chloe and Grace; and by two great-grandchildren, Cooper and Carson. Friends may call from 11:00 AM until the Mass of Christian Burial at 1:00 PM Friday February 4 at St. Lawrence Catholic Church with Fr. William Summerlin officiating. Interment will follow in St. Boniface Cemetery. Those desiring may contribute in memoriam to St. Lawrence Catholic Church. Hahn-Groeber Funeral Home is honored to serve the Kennedy family. Please leave memories and