Donald Wayne Kennard, 88, of Keensburg, Illinois, peacefully passed away Saturday, May 18, 2024, at Oakview Heights surrounded by his loving family.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, May 22, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Short-Cunningham Funeral Home, 527 N. Mulberry Street, Mt. Carmel, Illinois, with burial immediately following at Antioch Cemetery, rural Wabash County, Mt. Carmel, Illinois.

A visitation will be prior to the funeral service from 10:00 a.m. until service time at 1:00 p.m. Memorials may be made to the 4-H Wabash County Youth Exhibition.

Don was born November 27, 1935, the son of Marjorie Grace (Mayne) and Max Edward Kennard, at his grandparents’ home in Mt. Carmel, Illinois. He graduated from Mt. Carmel High School in the class of 1953.

On November 21, 1956, Don married Mary Ellen Doty. Together they had seven children: Wayne V. (Jeanie) Kennard, Colleen R. (James) Kensler, Cindy J. (Ernest) Griess, Sherry (Pete) Johnson, Sheila (Rick) Anderson, Robert D. (Traci) Kennard and Tara E. (Matthew) Horrall; sixteen grandchildren; sixteen great grandchildren; and a sister, Carmen Smith.

Preceding Don in death were his parents and siblings Max Edward Kennard II and Patricia Kennard.

Don was a member of Keensburg Christian Church. He was a farmer, business owner, ran a heavy equipment and trucking company and a restaurant. Don served as county commissioner, school board member, 4-H leader and was a fair board member. He enjoyed country music, clogging and blue grass get togethers. Don loved horses and trail riding. He received the award for outstanding young farmer of the year at the annual Farm Bureau meeting in 1967. Don adored spending time with his wife, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Condolences may be sent to www.short-cunninghamfh.com

Short-Cunningham Funeral Home is honored to serve Don’s family.