Michael William Kennedy, 76 of Taylorville, passed away at 5:59p.m. on Friday, August 2, 2024, at Carriage Crossing Senior Living in Taylorville.  He was born on November 25, 1947, in Taylorville, the son of Samuel F. and Mary Agnes (Sullivan) Kennedy.  He married Helen Schommer on August 1, 1971, in Taylorville.  Mike was a veteran of the U.S. Navy.  He was a self-taught engineer and began his career working with his father at S.F. Kennedy New Products and retired after a 35-year career at G.S.I.  He was a member of Sertoma and St. Mary’s Catholic Church.  Mike gave back to his community in many ways including serving as an alderman on the Taylorville City Council.  He was a founding member of Rock Steady Boxing, an organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for those living with Parkinson’s disease.  He loved muscle cars and was extremely proud of his 1970 Cuda.  He loved staying active in many ways including golfing, bowling, boating, working on remodeling projects, and always enjoyed a good milkshake.  Mike will be remembered for his creative and artistic abilities, his kind, humble personality, and his great sense of humor. More than anything, he loved his family, especially his daughters who were his pride and joy.

He is survived by his wife: Helen Kennedy of Taylorville; daughters: Lisa Tarr (Blake) of Taylorville and Ashley Logsdon (Todd) of Bentonville, Arkansas; grandchildren: Addison Tarr, Gianna Tarr, Finn Logsdon, and Silas Logsdon; siblings: Deborah Kennedy-Payne (Robert) of Atlanta, Georgia, Joseph Kennedy (Patrice) of Sarasota, Florida, Molly Kennedy of Springfield, Martie Lieberman of Sarasota, Florida, and Colleen Kennedy-Jacobs (Terry Longdon) of Taylorville; and several nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents; sister and brother-in-law: Samara and David Dukes; and nephew: Andy Jacobs.

A funeral service for Mike will be held at 11:00a.m. on Friday, August 9, 2024, at McClure Funeral Home in Taylorville with Fr. Piotr Kosk officiating.  The visitation will take place from 5:00p.m. until 7:00p.m. on Thursday at the funeral home.  The burial with military rites will take place at Oak Hill Cemetery.  Memorials may be made to St. Mary’s Catholic School or the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research.  The family thanks Carriage Crossing Senior living, Becky Pattarozzi, Terri Walker, and Kathy Pitchford for the loving care they provided Mike.  McClure Funeral Home and Cremation Services in Taylorville is assisting the family with arrangements.