Keith Kennedy

Celebrating Life

Keith Dewane Kennedy passed away peacefully in his sleep on April 7, 2025. Born on June 17, 1942, in John Day, Oregon, Keith was the sixth of eleven siblings. The family lived in Prairie City, Kinzua (now a ghost town) and Spray, before moving to Grants Pass during his early teen years. Keith often shared memories of working in the woods and horse logging and often said that they “lived simply but ate like kings.” As a young man, Keith felt called to preach the gospel for several years in Southern Oregon. Sometime later, he met Darleen, the mother of his five children, before joining the Army in 1967, earning a National Defense Service Medal and Marksman (Rifle) recognition. He married his current wife, Sharon (Opperman) Kennedy, in 1994 after dating for several years. They moved from Prairie City to Umatilla, then spent several years ranching in the Ione/Heppner area before moving to Elgin after a short stay in Sumpter. They enjoyed many years in the Elgin community before moving to the Oregon Coast to be closer to family. The outdoors were Keith’s sanctuary. He shared many stories about hunting bears and cougars, logging, blowing up stumps with dynamite, and competing in rodeos. He and his brothers Kermon and Kenneth would venture to Starvation, Oregon to hunt deer with their father, then smoking the hindquarters afterward. Keith also loved catching trout in the creek, experiences that shaped his appreciation for simple pleasures. As the self-proclaimed “master of the grill,” he declared dinner was ready when you “burn it on both ends and in the middle.” Keith’s grandchildren will forever cherish their fishing trips with “Grandpa Keith,” who taught them that the true value of fishing wasn’t measured by what you caught, but by who sat beside you. He also delighted in sharing childhood memories, like hitching a wagon to horses with his brother Kermon to cut down a Christmas tree, decorating it with candles, and enjoying a feast of smoked ham, trout, turkey, and chicken alongside his mother’s mashed potatoes and gingerbread cake. Keith was preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth J. Kennedy and Ruth R. Jones; siblings Laura Guilliams, Stella Kula, Nettie Downs, Tom Warren, Bill Warren, and Kenneth Kennedy; and stepsons David and Paul Opperman. He is survived by his loving wife, Sharon; children: Shawna Killian, Tawnia Gregg, Luwana Hinrich, DeiDre Ledford, and Daniel Kennedy; siblings: Karron Gibson, Karmon Packard, Kermon Kennedy, and Karrol Green; stepchildren Mark Opperman, Nina Press, and Joy McCall; and numerous nieces, nephews, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Keith had a gift of gab and enjoyed socializing with his friends and family. Keith knew no strangers, often greeting people with a cheerful “Hey, Hippie.” His characteristic expression of gratitude came with a twinkle in his eye: “Thank you, darling. I’ll dance at your next wedding.” His legacy of love, adventure, and finding joy in life’s simple pleasures will continue through all who had the privilege of knowing him. In lieu of flowers the family asks any donations be made to Heroes Horsemanship at Healing Reins. A no cost program for veterans, active-duty military and first responders which offers a transformative, healing, and rewarding experience with horses through equine-assisted learning & horsemanship in a peaceful farm environment. https://healingreins.org/equine-assisted-services/first-responders/ Obituary courtesy of Driskill’s Memorial Chapel.

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