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Donald Kennard Obituary

He was a well respected "true servant" who never met a stranger and had a genuinely quick smile and handshake for everyone. A resident and native of the Central community of Baton Rouge, Donald Ray passed away Friday, Aug. 5, 2011, at Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center. He was 74, born Aug. 11, 1936, to the late Sterling and Camille Carpenter Kennard. Donald Ray was a 1954 graduate of Central High School where he earned 13 letters in football, basketball, baseball and track. Afterwards, he earned a B.S. degree in education from Southeastern Louisiana University in 1958. Next, "Coach K" taught and coached at Istrouma High School and coached the LSU freshmen basketball team while completing his master's degree from LSU in education, which he earned in 1960. He completed basic training at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo., was stationed at Fort Dix, Trenton, N.J., and served his country for 10 years in the U.S. Air Force Reserves. Afterwards, he taught health and physical education for two years at the University of New Orleans. He was a football spotter from 1958 until 2007; 44 of these years being spent as a member of the LSU Sports Broadcasting Team. In January 1963, he began his career at LSU as an academic adviser in the athletic department and held that position for 22 years. He was elected to the Louisiana State House of Representatives in 1975 representing District 65. He was re-elected eight times and served "his" district for 32 years until being term limited in 2008. During his political career, he served as chairman of the American Legislative Exchange Council and served as past president of the American Professional Guidance Association and was a member of the National Association of Academic Advisors. While serving in the legislature, he continued his career at LSU becoming an assistant athletic director in charge of sales and marketing, a position he held for many years. He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Mona Norris Kennard; two daughters, Robin Lisa Kennard and Stacy Rae Kennard Doucet and husband David; grandchildren, Philip James Doucet, Samuel Kennard Doucet, Thomas David Doucet and Camille Elizabeth Doucet; three aunts, Ethel Watts, Josie Carpenter and Jean Firmin Carpenter; and numerous other in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Donald Ray was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Maurice and Bertie Carpenter; and paternal grandparents, William and Annie Kennard. Visiting at Zoar Baptist Church, 11848 Hooper Road, on Monday, Aug. 8, was from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Visiting resumes at the church on Tuesday, Aug. 9, from 9 a.m. until religious services at 11 a.m., conducted by Dr. Kevin Hand. Interment in the church cemetery. Pallbearers will be his three grandsons and Rep. Clif Richardson, Sen. Francis Thompson, Joe Earl Easley, Joe Chemin and Dr. James Gardner. Honorary pallbearers are Eugene Rogillio Sr., Bud Johnson, Jim Taylor, Ronnie Devall, Ricky Norris, Raymond Lavigne, Joe Greco and Mike LeClercq. Memorial donations may be made to Southeastern Louisiana University Foundation, Zoar Baptist Church, where he was a longtime member, or a favorite charity. Arrangements by Rabenhorst Funeral Home.

Published by The Advocate from Aug. 6 to Aug. 9, 2011.
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Dear Kennard Family: I just learned of DRK's passing and I am so sorry,but I know that he is in the arms of Jesus and that he heard Jesus say to him,"Well done, good and faithful servant." His legacy will live on in your hearts and indeed in the hearts of all who knew him...I graduated from Central HS 2 years behind him and then he welcomed me into Southeastern when I arrived and helped me tremendously.He was always a true friend with a big smile and a big warm heart and personality. I know that he will be waiting for all of you at the gates of Heaven when you enter.

Sheridan Wilson Bell

August 29, 2011

My deepest sympathies to Stacy and the entire Kennard family. I went to Kappa Delta bid day this weekend (my niece pledged). Out there in front of the house, I thought of Stacy on our bid day. I remembered back 28 years ago when we were doing a fundraiser for Muscular Dystrophy research. There was a parade through LSU and every sorority needed a "star" to ride. Representative Kennard was so sweet. He graciously agreed to participate on our behalf. What a wonderful man. I know he will be missed by his family and many throughout our community.

Liz Klimczak Harris

August 22, 2011

My deepest heartfelt sympathy is expressed to the Kennard Family. I worked with the former state respresentative on the Criminal Justice Committee for many years before becoming the Executive Director of the Louisiana Legislative Women's Caucus until I retired. He always had a smile on his face, encouraged me on the job and in my personal life. I can recall many, many functions where we interacted together and enjoyed each other's company. I ask that the Lord bless you and keep you and make His face to shine upon you during this time of loss. Remember, Eternal Life is a gift from God.

Joycelyn Green

August 12, 2011

To the Kennard Family: My deepest regards for a wonderful person whom God used to touch my life as a teenager at Zoar Church,and later helped me at LSU my freshman year to orient into college. Donald Ray was a fine Sunday School teacher with lots of patience to handle us teenagers. He will be missed.

Dr. Perry C. Hubbs

August 11, 2011

Stacy, I was sorry to hear about you dad. I will keep you and your family in my prayers. Marty and Angella Pourciau

August 10, 2011

David, Stacy and Family; Please know your family is in our prayers. God Bless.

Gary, Lorie & Corey Davis

August 10, 2011

Mr. Kennard helped my mother, brother, and I many years ago. I never forgot that. He was a good man.

M Johnson

August 9, 2011

Please know your family is in my prayers during this time of your loss. Having served five years in the House with Donald Ray, I always found him to be a true friend. His friendship with the Jimmie Davis family will always be remembered. God bless you.

Rep. Jim Fannin

August 9, 2011

Dear Mona, Robin, and Stacey, Donald Ray was born with a purpose in life and that was to serve. His servant spirit set him apart and drove him to help others. Always with a gentle and humble spirit he lived to improve life for others and that of his community. He touched so many in a positive way. Yes, he will be missed. The sun has set on this life and God has called him home. What a reunion that must have been!His family will surely miss him and all who knew him will feel the void for there will be none other like him. May each of you feel God embracing you during this most difficult time and the weeks and months ahead. May you draw strength from the many prayers and may the angels stand watch over each of you.

Theda Cary

August 9, 2011

Dear Robin, Your father has hit a home run in life. He has hit it out of the park and has touched all of the important bases. Now we are sorry to see him go after such a great game. He will be missed and thought of by many for a long time.
My prayers are with your family.

Randy Downing

August 9, 2011

To Ms. Mona, Robin & Stacey,
Your husband and dad was a good man.
He always thought about "Central" and did what was right for us.
We should name the new school or road
"Donald Ray Kennard", we owe it all to him.
God Bless Donald Ray and Ms. Camille

Wendy Carpenter

August 9, 2011

My heart is heavy at the loss of the DRK. He was the most amazing man that I know and there will never be another one like DRK. He was my friend and my mentor. I have learned so much from him that I will take with me forever. He will always be missed but I will make sure with everything in me that he will NEVER be forgotten.

Josh McNemar

August 9, 2011

Mrs. Mona, please know that you and your children are in my prayers. I met Mr. Kennard at the dealership several times when he came to speak to Bobby. He always took the time to make sure "us ladies" in the bookkeeping office were ok and if we needed anything. He will be sorely missed.

Chantelle Roche

August 9, 2011

To the Kennard family:
It was an honor and a privledge to have worked for Donald Ray years ago. He was a true gentleman and statesman and definitely had a heart for the people of his district. Your community has lost a true friend as your family has lost someone so dear to you. I will keep you in my prayers as you go through this difficult process.
Nicollette "Niki" Mourot

August 9, 2011

Stacy and Robin, I'm so sorry for the loss of your dad. Thinking of you both and your mom during this time.

Sara Johnson

August 8, 2011

Dear Mrs. Kennard,

I was the state director of MADD during the years that Donald Ray was in the LA Legislature. He was so supportive of our organization! I remember a time in particular, when he was pushing his bill to create the Central school district, that he came to me nearly in tears. He wanted to support one of the MADD bills, but had been told by several legislators that they would not support his bill if he supported ours. He was so distraught! He said that he would stand by MADD because it was the right thing to do. I told him that his first responsibility was to his district, and that we'd be back the following year with our bill, and he could vote for it then. He was one of the few decent and honest legislators - a true statesman - and I am honored to have known him.

Cathy Childers

August 8, 2011

When my son, Kevin Pond, was fighting for his eligibilty bill to be passed in the Legislature, sponsered by Bernard Carrier, Donald Ray was fighting "hair, tooth and toenail" for it to pass the House and later in the Senate which it did. We will never forget his kindness in wanting to help my son continue his athletic carerr. He
later went on to play ball in collge.
May God's Grace,Peace and Love e yours,
Maureen Sellers

maureen sellers

August 8, 2011

Mona,

Nothing seems appropriate to say at times like this but we wanted you to know we were thinking of you and wishing we could say so in person.

Donald Ray and you have been dear friends for over 50 years and they have been full of fond memories. We, like so many others will miss our dear friend.

Glory and Dick Sharp

August 8, 2011

Robin, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time, may the lord continue to comfort each of you.

"I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help..." Psalm 121:1

Renetta Varnado GOHSEP

August 8, 2011

Mrs Mona,

I am sorry to hear about Mr Donald Ray. He was such a good man and was always willing to help me in need. He was such a dear friend to my grandfather and will be greatly missed by us all. You and your family are in my payers. God bless.

Megan Easley Percle

August 8, 2011

ROBIN & FAMILY,

IT IS WITH A HEAVY HEART I SEND TO YOU MY DEEPEST CONDOLENCES IN THE LOSS OF YOUR FATHER, HUSBAND, & GRANDFATHER. I CAN HONESTLY TELL YOU THE LOSS OF YOUR FATHER IS TREMENDOUS BECAUSE I ALSO HAVE BEEN THERE. EVERYBODY HURTS!! THERE IS NOT ONE SINGLE DAY THAT GOES BY THAT I DO NOT THINK OF HIM. HE WILL ALWAYS REMAIN IN MY HEART UNTIL THE DAY WE REUNITE & THEREAFTER. HOLD ON TO THOSE WONDERFUL MEMORIES OF HIM AND TO ALL HIS WONDERFUL FRIENDS THAT CHERISHED HIM. I PROMISE YOU! YOUR SADDNESS WILL TURN TO JOY! PLEASE, PLEASE, IF THERE IS ANYTHING YOU NEED, PROMISE YOU WILL CALL ME! I PROMISE YOU, I FEEL YOUR PAIN & IT HURTS ME TO SEE YOU GO THROUGH WHAT I'VE BEEN THROUGH. I'LL ALWAYS BE HERE FOR YOU ROBIN & PLEASE DON'T HESITATE TO CONTACT ME IF THERE IS ANYTHING THAT I CAN DO FOR YOU. YOU WILL ALWAYS BE IN MY THOUGHTS & PRAYERS!!

WITH ALL MY LOVE & PRAYERS,

CAMILLA GUERCIO
CO-WORKER

CAMILLA GUERCIO

August 8, 2011

I was honored to be a friend of Donald Ray starting back in the 40's and on through Central School. He never met a stranger nor forgot a friend.
Central has lost one of its greatest supporters.
Our prayers and thoughts are with the family and friends.
James (Jim) Rawlins
Baton Rouge, LA

August 8, 2011

Mrs. Mona,
Just to let you know I am thinking of you and praying for the family during your hour of bereavement. Donald Ray was very special to me. We had a very kind friendship that grew through our years of working together at LSU. Donald Ray enjoyed bringing his mom biscuits to the office and you guys would always visit me at Christmas and bless me with a gift. I will always cherish his memories and Miss Mona thank you for being right there with him. Take care and God Bless you.

Pat B Fredericks

August 8, 2011

Donald Ray was such a good advisor to my children when they were at LSU and always ready to help someone when they needed it. He will be greatly missed. My sincere condolences to the family.

Irene Conerly Jones

Irene jones

August 8, 2011

He was a great person and a good friend.Sorry for your loss.

Love and Prayers
John, Linda and Trinity Hendrix

August 7, 2011

Robin and Family,

I was so sorry to hear about Donald Ray's death. His spirit and nature always gave me a lift.Robin I am out of the Country with work, but please know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers, and that I'll never forget that genuine smile that was always on his face.

Wanda Joffrion

August 7, 2011

Robin, Stacy and Mrs. Mona, I was so sorry to hear of your loss. I have fond memories of spending time at your house during high school. Although Mr. Donald Ray had his hands full with LSU athletes, he was always gracious in making time for his Central Private students when we arrived at LSU and needed advice. Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers!

Danette McGee

August 7, 2011

One of my most treasured possessions is my set of LSU football season tickets. Thank you Rep. Kennard for helping me purchase those tickets over 14 years ago. You epitomized the spirit of LSU and the state of Louisiana.

Anonymous

August 7, 2011

He was always Mr. Kennard to me! In 1963, at age 17, I became a member of the LSU Track Program. I needed all the help I could get with picking classes and learning the college routine. His basic instructions were, you do what LSU signed you to do and I'll take care of these class assignments. I did, he did, we became good friends and no one gained more respect than the respect I have had for Mr. Kennard since 1963. In a very special way he has touched the lives of so many LSU Tigers who have had the honor of receiving his guidence and encourgement through all the years we had the opportunity to share with him.

Delmon McNabb

August 7, 2011

Mona, Robin and Stacy it is with a great sense of loss that I write you today. I just learned of Donald Ray's passing and am sadden. What a wonderful man he was and what a wonderful friend to me for so many years. I will hold dearly all the memories of his unique sense of humor. He once told it only took 3 things to be a good lobbyist, 1) a credit card, 2)a good expense account and then he said the 3rd is optional and that was "knowledge". I will truly miss him and keep you all in my prayers. Best wishes, Bill Corley

Bill Corley

August 7, 2011

Mona, Robin, and Stacy,

I was so saddened to hear about Donald Ray. You have my love and my prayers. I know your faith will see you through this. It seems like yesterday that Kennard’s Krew was hard at work on that first campaign. We had no idea then how many lives Donald Ray would touch. He was a wonderful person and I’m honored to have known him and call him my friend. God Bless.

Jo (Summers) Raybourn

August 7, 2011

Stacey, David and children,
You and your wonderful family are in our hearts,thoughts and prayers.
Dad will live on in all of your beautiful memories and keep you smiling.
What an awesome gentleman!
With love and respect,
James, Betty, Amanda and Austin Baroni

August 7, 2011

Stacy, Robin, Mrs. Mona: I am sorry to hear of your loss of your dad and husband. I remember him well, especially his smile and handshake. His positive influence on so many people is incredible not to mention his family! You surely have great peace in knowing this. God bless!

Brian, Kim, Annie, Nile and Mary Foss

August 7, 2011

I remember sitting in church , yall always sat in the same spot as well as we did. Bro Jimmy was pastor as I was growing up. My dad had always spoke so highly of Mr Kennard. My mom and dad have both gone on to be with the Lord, and your family I will keep in my prayers. Thank you for sharing ur husband and father with the world.

Kimberley Mathews

August 7, 2011

Dear Mona, Robin,Stacy and family, Our sincere sympathy and prayers are with you. Donald Ray has left a wonderful legacy and will be truly missed. Your comfort is in the fact that he has heard " well done my good and faithful servant" face to face from the Master. Love,Dale & Shirley Dunnam

August 7, 2011

Donald Ray was one of mine and my late husband, Robert J. Bob Meador's favorite students, athlete, and friend for these past fifty seven years. He influenced so many lives, was a wonderful father and husband, helped so many people, and was such a great Christian man. I will always remember him and his family in my prayers. You have my sincere love and sympathy. Mary Sue Disch Meador

Mary Sue Meador

August 7, 2011

Robin, Stacy, and Ms Mona,

I know that words cant erase the feeling of loss from your lives, but always cherish the fact that Donald Ray Kennard, shared his life with so many by serving the Central Community in the State House of Representatives. He was a Man that Loved the Lord, and it shown within his life how remarkable he really was. This loss hurts right now, But God gives you comfort in knowing he is in a better place, and he is smiling down over all of you and still wrapping you into his arms. Be proud of your husband and father as we are all proud of all of his accomplishments. May God watch over you in this time, and know that there are those who love you and care about you and share this time with you.

G Melvin Abbott

August 6, 2011

Robin

Hang in there and let us know if you need something. You have our prayers.

Mark and Susan Riley

Mark Riley

August 6, 2011

Dear Robin, Stacy and Mrs. Mona,

I am so sorry to hear of your sudden loss of Mr. Donald Ray. He truly leaves a legacy that cannot be replaced. You are in all of our hearts and prayers.

Love,

Janet Smith Guidry

Janet Smith-Guidry

August 6, 2011

Mrs. Mona, Robin, Stacy & Family,

Our prayers are with you. He was a great man and friend to all.

Mike and Tammy McGuire

August 6, 2011

Dear Mona,

This is Joyce and Vince Dileo. We are in Georgia visiting our daughter who just had a baby and we just found out about Donald Ray. We are sorry we are not there. Our prayers, thoughts, and sympathy are with you at this time.

Vince and Joyce Dileo

August 6, 2011

My sincere condolences to the Kennard family for the loss of a truly great man. Donald Ray was one of the special people I got to know during my years in Baton Rouge. One of my all-time favorite days in Baton Rouge was the day Donald Ray invited Skip Bertman, Tommy Lasorda and me to join him for lunch at his mother's house. It was an unforgettable day, made possibly by a wonderful man. The Kennard family, Louisiana and LSU have lost a legend.

Bruce Weber

August 6, 2011

Kennard family. You are all in our prayers. Donald Ray was a very nice man and a friend to every one be met. We worked with him for many years through the athletic dept We will miss his sweet smile and his wonderful sense of humor. May God's love comfort you during this most difficult time.

"Sam" & Mark Shaw

August 6, 2011

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Tommy Shaffett

August 6, 2011

Your family is in my thoughts and prayers. The entire community has lost one of its best.

Kim Mathews

August 6, 2011

Robin, you and your family are in our prayers. Your father was a wonderful man and a good friend!!! We enjoyed many years at the legislature together. Keeping the wonderful memories of him in your heart will keep him with you the rest of your life...

John and Jean Armstrong

August 6, 2011

Mona, Robin, Stacey and family. Donald Ray will be missed by so many but none like you will miss him. he truly had a servant heart and the gift of helping. May the peace of God be with each of you and bring you comfort as only He can.

Dolores Manning

August 6, 2011

Stacy and Robin so sorry about your dad. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Darlene (Buxton) Hendrickson

August 6, 2011

Mrs. Mona, Robin, Stacy & Family,

I know you miss him! May God, in his infinite ways, sustain you at this time. Please know that my heart is with you. Most importantly, that his legacy will live on thru who you are because of him!...not to mention all the wonderful memories that were made! May God wrap His arms of Love around you!

Sincerely, Pam Templet

Pam Templet

August 6, 2011

To the Kennard family,
Please know that all of you are in my thoughts and prayers at the death of Donald. He was a good friend, a great family man and a dedicated public servant whose efforts will be missed. My work abroad keeps me from attending, but please know I am with you in prayer.
Fr. Jeff Bayhi

Fr. M. Jeffery Bayhi

August 6, 2011

Our thoughts and prayers are with you Mona, Robin, Staci and family. We thank you for sharing Donald Ray with us, the community and the state. He was a true public service in every sense of the word. He has touched so many lifes, always went the extra mile to help. He will truly be missed. Hold on to your sweet family and God's hands during this difficult time.

Sue McCormick Bonacorso & Ken Bonacorso

August 6, 2011

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