Harold “HOSS” Winston Kennedy, 82, passed away Friday, Jan. 5, 2024 in Lake Charles, La. He was born Nov. 2, 1941 to James Shearer and Vernie Fruge Kennedy in Elton, La.

He was a graduate of Elton High School in 1959. While in high school he also attended trade school, where he learned mechanic and welding skills. He was a member of Elton High School’s very first football team. He often laughed and said very few members of the team knew much about football, but they had fun anyway.

After graduation he joined the U.S. Navy and served aboard the aircraft carrier USS Coral Sea. He was a member of the V1 Division, their duties were getting aircraft ready for takeoff and landing, also they were members of the crash and fire crew. Harold served his country proudly from 1959 to 1962. During his time on ship, this crew formed a brotherhood and became lifelong friends. To this day they stay in touch.

After his stint in the Navy, he married Patricia Kaufman Kennedy. They were going to celebrate their 61 anniversary soon. They created a wonderful life together with their four children, 10 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

During his lifetime Harold worked for Pellerin Milnor Corp. in Kenner, La., Shell Oil Co., in Norco, La. and retired from PPG Industries in Lake Charles, La. after 27 years of service. He was a master machinist and was skilled in mechanics as well.

He was a longtime member of Moss Bluff United Methodist Church and recently became a member of Moss Bluff Global Methodist church.

Those left to cherish his memory are his wife, Patricia Kaufman Kennedy; his sons, Kurt Winston Kennedy (Toni), Gregg Charles Kennedy (Jerietta) and Shawn Patrick Kennedy (Brooke); his daughter, Sheryl Kennedy Meyer (Steve); 10 grandchildren, Tad Charles Kennedy (Kim), Ryan Adam Kennedy (Andrea), Alexandra Kennedy Smith (Drew), Tara Monette Kennedy, Emily Laura Meyer, Kate Isabella Meyer, Lauren Koi Spencer, Jett Douglas Kennedy, Regan Celise Kennedy, and Grant Patrick Kennedy, and three great-grandchildren, Cason Mathew Kennedy, Connor Powell Kennedy, Archer Adam Kennedy. Also, his large extended family of in-laws, nieces, nephews, Coral Sea brothers, church family and friends.

Harold was preceded in death by his parents; brother, James F. Kennedy; sisters, Mary Ann Kennedy Schexnayder and Jessie Kennedy Manuel.

PallBearers will be Kurt Kennedy, Gregg Kennedy, Tad Kennedy, Ryan Kennedy, Ross Kaufman, and James Inman.

Honorary PallBearers will be Shawn Kennedy, Steve Meyer, Grant Kennedy, Jett Kennedy, Cason Kennedy, Connor Kennedy, Archer Kennedy, Norman Kaufman, and Richard Kaufman.

Harold was a strong, smart, witty, mischievous, hardworking man, true family man, a devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He was affectionately referred to as Big Daddy, Pops, and Old Man by his children. Always a twinkle in his eyes and a mischievous grin on his face. He had a passion for classic cars and enjoyed attending car shows. He also loved to spend his days tinkering and building things in his shop which he called, “The White House.” He will be missed beyond measure by all.

The family will welcome relatives and friends at Hixson Funeral Home of Moss Bluff on Friday, Jan. 12, 2024 beginning at 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. Visitation will resume on Saturday, Jan. 13, 2024 at 9 a.m. until the time of services. Funeral Services will be held in the funeral home at 11 a.m. with the Rev. Robert Jones officiating and Steve Meyer will give the eulogy.

Words of comfort may be shared with the family at www.hixsonfuneral homes.com