Francis Edward Kennon, Jr.

Francis Edward Kennon, Jr., known as Ed or Edward Kennon, passed away on Tuesday, February 14, 2023.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 25, 2023, at the First United Methodist Church, 903 Broadway St., Minden, Louisiana. Visitation will begin at 1:00 p.m. until service time. A private burial will follow. Officiating the service will be Reverend David Dietzel.

Ed died from a rare thymus cancer that had metastasized throughout his body. He bravely fought for two and a half years. This was his third fight with cancer in his lifetime, with Brenda at his side.

Ed was born August 31, 1938, in Minden, Louisiana to F.E. Kennon, Sr. of and Clara Wallace Kennon.

He is preceded in death by his parents and his son from a previous marriage, John Edward Kennon. He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Brenda Evans Kennon; their only daughter, Kari Melissa Kennon; a brother, Mike Kennon from Minden, Louisiana and his niece, Robin Kennon, from Haughton, Louisiana.

Ed graduated from Minden High School in 1956. He then attended Centenary College of Louisiana studying theology. He joined the United States Air Force Reserve in the early sixties.

Ed’s Dad died when he was six years old. He grew up working hard since he was a young child. He raised chickens, planted gardens, bailed hay, raised cows, sold fertilizer and propane. He started building houses when he was 15 years old. He owned several rent houses when he started college.

He partnered with Frank Treat and formed Minden Concrete and Tri State Sand and Gravel. He developed subdivisions, built apartment complexes, and constructed and owned the Ramada Inn in Minden. He always had many different ventures going at the same time. Work has always been his hobby.

He unsuccessfully ran for Lt. Governor in 1972. In 1973, he successfully ran for Public Service Commissioner, where he served for 12 years.

He bought out his partnership with Frank Treat in 1987 and owned many different businesses after that. He continued developing many subdivisions, including Lakewood and Forest Hills. He owned Dover Trucking and Tri State Sand and Gravel. Eventually he bought three failed banks and formed Tri State Bank in 1989. He retired in 2016, selling to Bank of Montgomery.

He cherished raising his adored and beloved daughter, Kari. He assisted with all her equestrian events throughout her life. He hauled her and her horse to countless equestrian shows. They shared a beautiful close relationship throughout his life. He supported any and all ventures she expressed interests in. Ed attended many performances at Southfield School and the Hotchkiss School in Lakeville, Connecticut. Kari graduated from his alma mater, Centenary College of Louisiana, with a Bachelor of Arts in Theater and a Master’s Degree in Business Administration. Ed encouraged her to pursue her passions in life and live life to the fullest.

Ed and Brenda were together for more than 42 years. They married on December 22, 1983. They shared an intimate, private bond and enjoyed an old-fashioned marriage. They sought the simpler, quieter life. Ed was kind and generous to Brenda’s mom, Nettie Evans Hicks and aunt, Lois Anderson, his secretary for 40 years.

Ed recognized the priorities in life. His wants and needs were few. He was an open, honest, and authentic man. His extreme intelligence, diligence, and work ethic led to a successful life. He was a straightforward, humble man and you never had to wonder what was on his mind or how he felt.

The world has lost a truly unique and special human being with a brilliant mind. He imparted knowledge to everyone whom he was close to. Honesty and Truth were his hallmarks. Our lives will be forever touched by him, and the memories will live on through all that knew him.

The family would like to express special thanks to Leslie French and Kelsey Young, with St. Joseph Hospice for their care and compassion in his final months.

Brenda gives profound gratitude and thanks to all of her friends and Ed’s friends, who provided support, assistance, and encouragement during the past two and a half years since Ed’s cancer diagnosis.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church, 903 Broadway St., Minden, LA 71055 in Ed’s honor.