Mark L. Kennedy

Mark L. Kennedy, 78, was born April 5, 1943 in Philip, South Dakota to Garland and Marguerite Kennedy and was called to his heavenly home on August 27, 2021 in Midland, Texas.
As a young child, Mark was quarantined in a Sioux Falls, SD hospital as he battled for nearly a year against polio. His survival through that trial was a miracle. Eventually, Mark and his family moved to Lovington, New Mexico. He was a student of Lovington schools from first grade through his graduation from LHS in 1961. He would eventually continue his education and in 1969 he graduated from the University of New Mexico with a degree in Journalism.

August 30, 1963, Mark married Kaye Abernathy Kennedy. They would have celebrated 58 years of marriage this year. Throughout their marriage, Mark became a huge part of the Lovington community. He was very active with the youth of the community. From many years coaching in Little League Baseball, coaching Girls Little Dribblers basketball, sponsoring Methodist Youth Fellowship, mentoring Fellowship of Christian Athletes, working at Humphrey House and most recently volunteering with CASA of Lea County, Mr. (Coach) Kennedy served as a role model to many. His heart for the Lovington Wildcats was huge. He was awarded the “Truest Wildcat” award in 1973 and enjoyed attending games and listening to many events through radio broadcasts.

In addition to his involvement with the youth, Mark held a variety of other offices. He served as President of the Lovington Lions Club, President of the Lovington Chamber of Commerce and Chairman of the Board of New Mexico Junior College. In 2014 Mark and Kaye were recognized as Volunteers of the Year for the CASA of Lea County organization.
Along his life journey, Mark made many friends through his different employments. He served in banking for a short time and then was a co-owner in S & K Real Estate. He was publisher for the Soaring Society of America’s national publication and also worked for a short time at Lovington’s NAPA Auto Parts. Until his retirement, he was employed at the Humphrey House in Hobbs, NM.

While Mark made many friends and shared a piece of his heart in his many volunteer and employment positions, he found his love for Christ and greatest leadership role in his Home Group Church, Storehouse Ministry. This group of brothers and sisters in Christ allowed Mark to share the Good News and to pour life into others. His Christian walk was his life and his greatest reward was to walk with others in their growth in Christ. In addition to his Home Group, he held his friends made through the Walk to Emmaus and Kairos ministries near and dear to his heart.

Mark’s love for friends and community was big, but his love for his family was huge. From family vacations to Colorado, East Texas, Ruidoso and most recently, Lake Coleman, Mark could be found telling stories, playing cards, feasting and quietly reading. He challenged his kids, grandkids, nieces and nephews to love and to love big.
Mark was preceded in death by his parents, Marguerite and Garland Kennedy, his sister and brother-in-law Beverly and Cotton Spears, his sister Barbara Nichols and his daughter-in-law Jennifer McKinney Kennedy.

He is survived by his wife, Kaye, two sons John (Valerie), James (Kim) and daughter Kendra Menchaca (Arnold) and his pride (his grandchildren) Kendall, Kelsie, Madison, Cutter and Nethaniel. He is also survived by his brother Bruce (Doris).

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later time. Memorials may be made to Storehouse Ministry (217 West Avenue D Lovington, NM 88260) or CASA of Lea County (501 North Linam Hobbs, NM 88240).

Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland. Online condolences may be made at www.npwelch.com.

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