HERMOSA | Earl L. Kennedy died December 12, 2012, at the Rapid City Regional Hospital due to complications of pneumonia. Earl "Bubby" was born January 26, 1934, to Fred and Myrtle (Bales) in Raven, Virginia. He attended elementary school at Raven, Virginia, and high school at Richlands, Virginia. He excelled in football and played for a state championship title with the Richlands Blue Tornados. He served his country in the United States Air Force from 1952 to 1956 during the Korean War Conflict. Upon returning home from service, Earl tried out for the Washington Redskins Football Team. He attended the University of Washington and studied electrical engineering and, of course, played football for the Washington Huskies. He was employed by the Boeing Company for 25 years and served in many positions that included inspecting planes and missiles. He worked 10 years for Civil Service and was assigned to the Rivet Mile Missile Project at Ellsworth Air Force Base. He also worked seven years for the Hart Resort Ranch as a building and grounds supervisor. His beautification and hospitality to visitors earned him a recognition award by the governor. Earl was a member of Our Savior's Lutheran Church of Hermosa, American Legion Post 303, Battle River Masonic Lodge #92, and a Naja Shriner. During his 32 years as a Shriner, he was a dedicated Shrine Clown, DADS Driver for the Hospital Van, an Ambassador, appointed to the Divan, and Shrine Club President. On June 8, 1968, he married Marie Thoe of Colfax, North Dakota, his wife of 44 years. They lived in various places due to Earl's Boeing assignments. In 1971 they were assigned to Rapid City and in 1976 they settled in the Black Hills of South Dakota where Earl has lovingly manicured their acreage. The Christmas lights now adorn his decorative trees. Survivors include Russell, Roger, Ron and Ralph Kennedy of Renton, WA., Rhonda Hutchings of Tumwater, WA, and daughters Stephanie Bushman (David) of Rapid City, and Colleen Kennedy of Hermosa; grandchildren, Connor and Lauren of Rapid City; sisters, Dorothy Bell, Upper Marlboro, MD and Gaynell Elswick (Raymond) of Pounding Mill, VA. Earl was preceded in death by his father and mother, Fred and Myrtle Kennedy; sister, Dolly; brothers Eugene and Max Kennedy of Raven, VA. Visitation will be from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday, December 19, at Osheim and Schmidt Funeral Home, 2700 Jackson Boulevard, with Masonic rites given by the Battle River Lodge #92 of Hermosa at 7 p.m. Services will be at 10 a.m. Thursday, December 20, at Our Savior's Lutheran Church, Hermosa, with Pastors David and Rebecca Piper officiating. Burial, with military honors rendered by American Legion 303 of Hermosa, Rushmore VFW Post #1273, and Ellsworth Air Force Base Honor Guard, will be at 2 p.m. at the Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis. Memorials may be directed to the Naja Travel Fund for Shriners Children.