Richard "Red" Kennedy

 

Richard "Red" Leroy Kennedy, age 90, of Marion, Ohio, passed away peacefully on March 27, 2025, at Marion General Hospital. Born in Prospect, Ohio, on May 1, 1934, to the late Alvin Kennedy and Cora Hesson, Dick lived a life full of love, laughter, and devotion.

On June 29, 1953, he married the love of his life, Peggy (Irey) Kennedy, and together they shared an incredible 72 years of marriage. Over the years, Dick worked in various roles, including at Big Bear and the Marion Engineering Depot, but he was best known for his 32 years of dedicated service as Captain at Marion Correctional Institution.

Dick's passions included family fishing trips to Canada, camping, riding the rapids, and even square dancing in his younger days. He loved gardening and growing roses, and he found immense joy in spending time with his family, especially the younger generations. Dick relished making cherished memories with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, often taking them to Cedar Point, Chuck E. Cheese, Golden Corral, and even boating expos.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Peggy; his sons, Kevin and Mark (Nancy) Kennedy; his brother, Frank E. (Jeanie) Jackson; his grandchildren, Kelly, Sarah, and Hannah Kennedy, Brandon Fussell, and Allie McComas; and his great-grandchildren, Alyssa James, Laci Applegate, Kashton Thomas, Sunnie Tobias, and Brantley Barlow. He is also remembered fondly by many nieces, nephews, and extended family members and so many other people he had memorable encounters with that called him grandpa. 

Friends and family are invited to honor Dick's life at the Boyd Funeral Home on Tuesday, April 1, 2025 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Funeral services will be held at The First Church of the Nazarene on Wednesday, April 2, 2025 at 2pm, with Dr. Steve Estep officiating. Committal services will follow immediately at Caledonia Cemetery.

The Boyd Funeral Home is honored to assist the Kennedy family during this time of remembrance.

 

Eugene Anthony Davis

 

Eugene Anthony Davis

February 19, 1954 — March 14, 2025

Marion

Eugene Anthony (aka Gene, Anthony and “Cookie Man”) Davis transitioned on Friday, March 14, 2025, at the age of 71 in Columbus, Ohio. He was a proud veteran of the United States Navy and an ardent supporter of the Democratic Party. He was born on February 19, 1954, in Savannah, Ga, to his loving parents, Deacon Eugene (Deaconess Ruth M.) Davis. Both parents and his brother, Edwin Davis, Sr., preceded him in death. 

In his youth, he joined and served at Central Missionary Baptist Church. Eugene was educated in the public school system of Chatham County and graduated from Savannah High School (500 Washington Ave.) in 1972, where he played the trombone in the band and football for the “Blue Jackets”. He matriculated at Savannah State College (SSC now Savannah State University) and graduated in 1976 with a B. S. degree in sociology. While at SSC he pledged Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity during the fall of 1973, was the Dean of Pledgees for the Spring line of the next year, a Midshipman in the Naval ROTC program and graduated from the Marine Corps Officer Candidate School in Quantico, Virginia. He switched from the Marine option to the Navy and served several years of active duty in Norfolk, Virginia, and the reserves. With a desire to continue serving and protecting our country, he went on active duty in 2004 and fought in Operation Iraqi Freedom, where he spent time in Kuwait and gained the rank of Petty Officer Second Class. He was awarded the Expeditionary Global War on Terrorism Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal , the Armed Forces Reserve Medal, and the Certificate of Wartime Service 143rd Transcontinental during this period of service. Once he returned stateside, he resumed his duty as a correctional officer at North Central Correctional Complex and later became part of the team at Marion Correctional Institution, where he retired in 2019. He enjoyed the tranquility of his time while fishing! 

Eugene was a loving father of four wonderful children who will cherish his memory forever, Christopher ( Ayanna ) Davis , Sharrod Davis, Aleisha (Craig ) Layne and Anthony ( Ashley ) Davis, two stepchildren Aaron Goodwin and Dominique (Dwayne) Mason - Miller both of whom he had a huge part in rearing; his eleven grandchildren, Angelica and Ayah Davis, Carly Davis, Aalijah and Gabriel Layne, Asher Goodwin, Alani Mason and Brycen Mason - Miller, Brooklyn and Brayley Walden, and Brycen McGee.He is also survived by his four sisters, Patricia D. Welch, Diane Henderson, Elaine D. Dixie, Jeanette D. (Les) Lumpkins, two brothers Gerome and Barry Davis. two aunts Louretta Larry and Charlene Manigault, sister-in-law Dorothy Davis, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, fraternity brothers, shipmates, classmates, and friends.

The family will announce the "Celebration of Life Activities" and date of interment in Beaufort National Cemetery (Beaufort, South Carolina) at a future date.

 

Gerald Olen 'Jerry' Persinger Jr.

 

Gerald Olen “Jerry” Persinger, Jr., age 89, of Marion, passed away on Saturday, March 15, 2025, at Marion General Hospital.

Born on November 29, 1935, to the late Gerald Sr. and Donna Ruth (Turner) Persinger, Jerry was a lifelong resident of Marion. Even as a child, Jerry had an enterprising spirit. He would ride through town on his bicycle, selling ice cream off the back to eager neighborhood kids-a small but memorable start to his lifelong love of adventure.

Jerry’s was a proud graduate of the first class at Marion Harding High School, where his passion for music shone brightly. As a talented musician in the school orchestra, Jerry not only mastered his craft but also caught the eye of Annabelle Fay Showalter. Their love story began in those early years and led to a beautiful marriage on June 27, 1954. Annabell preceded Jerry in death on May 13, 2011.

Following high school, Jerry honorably served his country in the United States Air Force and was able to use his musical gifts in the Officer’s Club. After his service, he returned home to Marion, where he dedicated himself to raising his family. He worked for many years as a milk and bread delivery man, sold insurance, and retired from the Marion Correctional Institution. A man of faith, Jerry was a former member of Victory Center Church of God and also sang in the Lordsmen Quartet.

Music and art were the heart of Jerry’s soul. A gifted multi-instrumentalist, he could often be found playing his guitar, violin, or any stringed instrument he could get his hands on. His creative spirit extended beyond music-he was a woodburning artist and an exceptional painter and drawler. When he wasn’t creating, he found freedom on the open road, riding motorcycles-a passion that once earned him a Harley-Davidson in a contest.

Jerry is survived by his children,  Pam (Stuart) Harris and Jeriann (Terry) Martin; grandchildren, Joshua (Lindsay) Cocherl, McKinzie (David) Warmus, Karli Harris, Marissa (Danny) O’Connor, and Ashley (David) Ketring; great-grandchildren, Kameron, Haillie, Bryson, Tucker, Declan, Laz, Legend, Emani, David, Addilyn, and Parker; siblings, Ruth Ann Stewart, Tom (Diane) Persinger, and Kenny Persinger, and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents and wife, Jerry was preceded in death by his grandson, Ethan Harris; and brother Larry Persinger.

Visitation will be held at Snyder Funeral Homes, Gunder/Hall Chapel (347 West Center St.) on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, from 4 until 7.  A funeral will be held at 12 noon on Thursday at the funeral home.  Burial will follow in The Historic Marion Cemetery with Military Honors provided by The Marion County United Veterans Council.

Snyder Funeral Home, Gunder/Hall Chapel is honored to serve Jerry’s family.  Online condolences may be expressed by visiting www.SnyderFuneralHomes.com.