William Walker Kennard

William Walker Kennard was born in Mobile, Alabama on August 1, 1943 and died in Ashland, Missouri on January 25, 2021. He was the middle of three adopted children, and loved to tell the dramatic story of how that particular family was formed. Bill was a life-long Episcopalian and a life-long educator. He will be remembered for his kind spirit, sense of humor, love of family, and unique laugh. His pride in the up and coming generations of his family knew no bounds and were his greatest joy.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Cummins and Ruth as well his brother, Jimmy and his sister, Gail. He is survived by his wife, Susan, daughter and son in law Sarah and Colin, grandchildren Will and Ashley, niece Cara and her husband Matt, great nieces Charlee and Qwinn, nephew Lee, and numerous beloved relations and friends.
Due to Covid restrictions the family will be the only people present at the service, but will be streamed via Facebook live at 3:30 pm, Thursday, January 28, 2021 by clicking the following link:

https://www.facebook.com/events/175604323896517/

Friends are invited to stop by the home of Colin and Sarah Wright on Friday January 29, 2021 from 4:30-7:30p.m., please email them at colinsarah04@gmail.com for details.

If you desire to make a gift in Bill’s memory, please consider Trinity Episcopal Church in Galveston Texas or Calvary Episcopal Church in Columbia, Missouri.

Condolences

  1. Darlene Coleman on January 26, 2021 at 6:40 pm

    It was such a gift to know Bill. He lived a beautiful life!
    Thinking of you as you say goodbye for now. ?????



  2. Darlene Coleman on January 26, 2021 at 6:43 pm

    The above had a typo. I don’t know how the ??? Replaced Emoji cross, heart, praying hands



  3. Katrina Packard Elvig on January 26, 2021 at 7:23 pm

    Bill you will be missed by ALL your Altar Guild buddies …. State of Texas and the National Altar Guild. We know you will remain with us in spirit and keep us in line. Blessings to all of you, Susan.



  4. Cara Coffee on January 26, 2021 at 8:14 pm

    Uncle Bill, I know it must have been an awesome angel parade for your arrival. Everyone who knew you was truly blessed to have you in their life. You will always be an amazing brother, husband, father, uncle, grandfather and friend. I will miss you and all your great stories. We love you, but know you are singing, laughing and soon be hosting and entertaining everyone in heaven.



  5. Katherine West on January 26, 2021 at 8:21 pm

    May he rest in peace and rise i glory. Prayers ascending…



  6. Ruth Aubey on January 27, 2021 at 7:34 am

    Bill was a wonderful example of how to live a good life. He was there helping, supporting at every occasion. I knew Bill from his teaching career at New Caney and his fellow teachers loved him as did his fellow altar guild members. Bill will be missed and lovingly remembered.



  7. Ralph Morgan on January 27, 2021 at 8:07 am

    Bill beat us to the goal. The best award he could receive. Blessings dear friends, Susan and Sarah. You will be in the prayers of friends here at Calvary-Richmond. Love you my friend.



  8. Terri Morgan on January 27, 2021 at 10:29 am

    I am thankful for Bill’s gift of his presence and joy, which he freely extended to everyone. I am especially thankful for his encouragement to new clergy spouses. I love this man of God. Susan, I hold you in my heart as you grieve.



  9. Jane Trambley on January 27, 2021 at 3:20 pm

    What a wonderful man. May his memory be a blessing. And May he Rest In Peace and rise in glory.



  10. Mary MacGregor on January 27, 2021 at 6:30 pm

    Bill was such a special guy. I too loved his stories especially about Galveston. His love and pride for you Susan was apparent. May God grant you peace during this difficult time.



  11. B.D. Griffin on January 27, 2021 at 9:12 pm

    So sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. He was always a true friend and saint. I expect that he’s taking his place on the altar guild in heaven. Susan, Sarah and the rest of your family are in our prayers



  12. Michael Gallagher on January 28, 2021 at 9:50 am

    Dear Susan, Our heartfelt condolences to you and your family for your loss. We are with you in spirit, and shall have Mass said for Bill here at the Monastery. Br Michael & Fr Peter in Beaumont



  13. The Rev. Jim Liberatore on January 28, 2021 at 12:09 pm

    Susan+, I was fortunate to work with Bill in my early years as a priest. I remember his warmth and humor. My prayers go with him as well as you and your family. I am glad you were able to be in Missouri with family. Real men do Altar Guild. I did as well. We will remember Bill this Sunday in our prayers.



  14. The Rev. Bob Moore on January 28, 2021 at 12:36 pm

    Dear Susan, s
    Several folks at St. Michael’s, including John and Diane Cammer, send their condolences to you and all your family. John Cammer and Bill were acolytes together at St. Michael’s. Prayer will be offered for Bill and for all your family at St. Michael’s this Sunday



  15. Linda & Buddy Fredrickson on January 28, 2021 at 3:12 pm

    What a great time our team had cooking and feeding 80 UTMB students every week. Bills stories kept us laughing and he was always there to do whatever needed to be done. A memory that will last forever with Bill & Susan.



  16. Trish and Camille on January 28, 2021 at 3:27 pm

    We are with you in spirit and in our hearts as we watch the service today.
    Trish, Camille and Lillian



  17. CAMILLE HAGLUND on January 28, 2021 at 4:31 pm

    What a super supportive clergy spouse Bill was! At Trinity this week, we have heard so many wonderful comments and remembrances regarding Bill and we all smile as we too remember those things about Bill. We wish so much we could be with you and hug you! Camille



  18. Betty Fuller on January 28, 2021 at 6:42 pm

    Frank and I send your our love and prayers. We have happy memories of times with Bill starting at Camp Allen in 1978!

    .



  19. Shirley Ellis on January 29, 2021 at 8:36 am

    Bill will always be remembered with love and administration. He was a special man. Until we meet him in heaven he will be in our hearts
    ???



  20. Edra Bogucki on January 29, 2021 at 10:56 am

    I remember Bill’s mashups of hymns (these lyrics shall remain unspoken here). Pretty sure his intention was to make sure people were listening! He’ll teach them to the Heavenly Choir, I’m sure. Prayers for Susan, all family members and friends.



  21. Dean Calcote on January 29, 2021 at 1:24 pm

    I did not know that you had moved to Missouri and was surprised to hear of Bill’s death. I remember the good times together when you were here and part of the life of St. Mark’s. You and Bill are in my thoughts and prayers as well as those of your friends here. We will remember you both in our prayers Sunday at the Eucharist.



  22. Victor Uher on January 29, 2021 at 2:58 pm

    Bill was a great friend and I’m so sorry to learn of his passing. He was a dedicated member of St. James Church in Conroe, Texas for many years and instrumental in all aspects of the church. I learned so much from him. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
    “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”



  23. Mary Ann Conkel/Diocese of Texas Altar Guild on January 29, 2021 at 6:32 pm

    Bill you will be missed. The Diocese of Texas Altar Guild will miss your laugh, quick wit and information you provided. Rest In Peace and know you are home with our God.



  24. Tamara & Michael McFarland on January 30, 2021 at 5:08 pm

    What a gift Bill was to our lives his laugh and booming responses in church lifted our hearts as did his wicked “asides” about whatever was in front of us.

    We were so lucky to count the Kennards among our St. James family members and will always treasure the stories and countless gifts they shared with each and every one of us.

    Much love to Susan and Sarah and their extended family.



  25. Jenness Ousley on January 30, 2021 at 7:58 pm

    Susan, what a wonderful gift you two were to the parishes you served. I know my parents were blessed with your time at St. Mark’s. Bill was so great to my dad, who wasn’t always easy to be great to. I love him for that. Peace to you and your family.



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