Lawrence Victor Kennon, 90, of Pottsboro, TX passed away peacefully at home on May 15, 2021 surrounded by family and friends. He was a beloved member of the community, husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather.
Lawrence, or “Larry” as he was known, was born on March 4, 1931 at his home in Pottsboro, TX to Zella and Luther Kennon. He attended Georgetown Schools and after graduating from Denison High School in 1949, he moved to Washington state where he worked on the irrigation canal. He was drafted into the Army in 1952 and was immediately deployed. He served two years during the Korean War and returned home in March 1954 with the rank of Sergeant First Class. Upon return he worked at Perrin Field and attended Southeastern Oklahoma State.
He and Doris Finke had grown up knowing each other and had their first date on Easter Sunday at Georgetown Church in 1954. Georgetown Church’s property was donated by Doris’ parents, Carl and Etta Finke years prior. They were engaged on Christmas and were the first couple to be married at Georgetown Baptist Church on June 10, 1955. They had two daughters, Vicki Lynn in 1957 and Carla Marie in 1962.
They moved to Lubbock, TX in 1958 where Lawrence attended Texas Tech University and graduated in 1960. After graduation they moved to Mesquite, TX where they attended Oates Drive Baptist Church and Lawrence was a deacon. He was employed by Hartford Insurance.
They moved to Dallas, TX in 1968 where he was employed by Business Computer Systems as a Personal Director and Systems Analyst. During this time they attended Spring Valley Baptist Church where Lawrence served as a deacon.
In 1980, they sold their home in Dallas and built a home in Pottsboro, TX where he resided until his death. Lawrence and Doris commuted to Dallas for work until 1983 when he retired and became a full-time rancher and farmer on the Old Finke Farm in Fink, Texas. He was a member of the Beefmaster Cattle Association and won many awards for his prize cattle.
Lawrence could always be seen at the front doors of Georgetown Baptist Church with his boots and cowboy hat on greeting people with a huge smile. He served as a deacon, taught Sunday school for many years, and served as financial committee director during the time the new church was being built.
In the early 2000’s they built a cabin in Colorado where they spent summers and helped start and build a church in their community of Bear Creek.
2015-2016 were rough years as Lawrence was diagnosed and treated for prostate and bladder cancer and Doris had a life- threatening blood infection. As she fought for her life, Lawrence was doing the same by going through cancer treatments. They ended up being roommates at Homestead in Sherman and both were able to return home in April 2016.
Throughout his life, Lawrence was always strong in his faith. In the last several years, he kept a remarkably positive attitude considering his struggles. He was known to say, “Remember, when you think you want to give up – Don’t! Put your faith in the Lord and you will be amazed at what you are actually capable of.”
Even though both Lawrence and Doris were not physically able to attend church in person in more recent years, they watched online every week.
Lawrence loved his family, church and community. We remember him in love, whether he was taking his grandchildren on tractor rides, working from sunup to sundown attending to his cattle, picking up pecans, or serving his church. He was one of the most caring and faithful men you would ever meet.
Deep gratitude is extended to all their church family, friends and family that have supported both Lawrence and Doris through their journey.
Lawrence was preceded in death by his parents, Luther and Zella Kennon and his brother Vernon Kennon. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Doris Finke Kennon; his two daughters, Vicki Jones and her husband, Dennis Jones and Carla Kent and her late husband, JJ Kent; his three grandchildren, Victoria Jones and her partner, Ryan Nayes, Stephen Jones and Brandon Kent; his two great granddaughters, Willowlyn Jones Nayes and Evie Jones Nayes and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Family night will be held at Johnson-Moore Pottsboro Chapel in Pottsboro, TX on Friday, May 21 from 6-8 pm. Funeral services will be held at Georgetown Baptist Church in Pottsboro, TX on Saturday, May 22, 2021 at 2 pm with burial immediately following at Georgetown Cemetery.
Reverend Carl Bilderback, Reverend Roy Duff and Senior Pastor Larry Clonts will be officiating.
Pallbearers will be Brandon Kent, Stephen Jones, Dennis Jones, Darrell Kennon, Shorty Salazar, and Bart Lawrence. Honorary pallbearers will be Chuck Grisham, Jim Lyons and Gary Miller.
Music will be provided by Gary Miller, Kim Winters and Duke Rhynes.
The family is accepting plants and flowers, or donations can also be sent to Georgetown Baptist Church in his name.
Arrangements are under the direction of Johnson-Moore Funeral Home.
Condolences may be registered to: www.johnsonmoorefuneralhome.net
