John Owen 'Beanie' Kennedy

John Owen "Beanie" Kennedy, 74, lost his battle peacefully to Alzheimer's disease on Sunday, March 11, 2012, surrounded by his loving family.

John was born Nov. 13, 1937 to John Gilbert Kennedy and Phyllis Mitchell Kennedy in Chicago, Ill.

John lived in Linton until age 10. His family then moved to Staunton where he attended Staunton Elementary and Staunton High School. While in high school, John participated in basketball and baseball, and continued to be an avid sports fan throughout his life. After completing high school, he attended Indiana State University.

Classmates since the fourth grade, John married the love of his life, Margaret Ellen (Dood) Casassa Kennedy. "Beanie" and "Dood" were married 49 years.

John worked at Alcan Aluminum (Novelis) for 30 years. During this time he was very active as president of the Local 103 of the Aluminum, Brick and Glass Workers Union. His success as president of Local 103 led to him being elected vice president of the Aluminum, Brick and Glass Workers International Union AFL-CIO, CLC.

Known for his charisma, John had a special way of interacting with everyone he had the opportunity to meet. This talent became very beneficial as he worked with labor and management to resolve contract disputes keeping labor working and production moving. His various achievements led to numerous awards for his dedication to his occupation.

Following his retirement, John became a golf ranger at both Hulman Links in Terre Haute and Forest Park in Brazil. He enjoyed being around the golfers and the game he loved. His golf game resulted in numerous championships and his claim to fame: Three holes-in-one.

In addition to golf, John enjoyed bowling with his wife and their many friends and large family.

John was also a member of Annunciation Catholic Church in Brazil where he received Jesus Christ as his Savior.

John and Margaret had one daughter, Nona Ellen Kennedy Lancaster. He was a devoted father and loved living life to the fullest. He loved having his daughter and her family live next door.

John and his son-in-law Mitch Lancaster's mutual love of sports helped the two of them develop a special bond that continued until his death. John loved following Mitch's coaching career at both Rockville and his hometown Northview Knights. His love of sports was even enhanced more as he proudly watched his three grandsons, Nick, Trent and Luke Lancaster as they competed in their various games of football, basketball and baseball.

John is survived by his wife, Margaret Ellen Casassa Kennedy; their daughter, Nona Ellen Kennedy Lancaster; his son-in-law Mitch Lancaster; three grandsons, Nick, Trent and Luke Lancaster; his sisters Patty Deakins, Barb Crowley and her husband, Albert, Marilyn Douglas, Margie Kennedy; sisters-in-law Mary Ann Trout and Diane Kennedy; brothers-in-law, James D. Casassa and his wife, Lois and Jack S. Casassa and his wife Pat; and many nieces, nephews and cousins which he loved dearly.

John was preceded in death by his parents, in-laws Jap and Tootie Casassa, brother Michael Kennedy, and brothers-in-law Virgil (Buggs) Trout and Donnie Douglas.

Special thanks to The Waters in Greencastle and all of their staff for the loving care they showed John, Harsha Rehabilitation, Agency 7 McMillan House, Horizon Hospice, Intrepid USA Healthcare and a special thanks to Paula Swearingen, Tommi Eaglin, Wayann Noel for their help, patience and care in our time of need.

Funeral services will be held at Lawson-Miller Chapel at 1702 E. National Ave., Brazil, at 11 a.m. Friday, March 16. Burial will follow at Clearview Cemetery. Visitation will be held 4-8 p.m. Thursday at Lawson-Miller Chapel.

Pallbearers: Brothers-in-law Jim Casassa, Jack Casassa, grandsons Nick, Trent and Luke Lancaster nephews, Joe Trout, Tony Trout, Cam Casassa and Chad Casassa, and honorary pallbearers, Troy Casassa.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Alzheimer's Association or to the Clay County Humane Society.