Matthew James Kennedy

Matthew James "Matt" Kennedy, 28, formerly of Abilene, went to be with his Lord whom he loves so much on Tuesday, June 15, 2010, in Nacogdoches, Texas. Matt was born on September 5, 1981 in Dallas, Texas. He graduated from Cooper High School in Abilene in 2000, and attended college for one year. Matt served in the U. S. Air Force as a M. P. in Iraq. He was a member of Broadview Baptist Church in Abilene. Matt is survived by his wife, Olivia Kennedy; mother, Terri Matthews and husband Mike of Abilene; father, James Kennedy and wife Debra of Denison; two sisters, Jenni Purser, her husband Jason and Matt's new little niece Caroline Jane Purser of Dallas, and Hannah Matthews of Abilene; and two stepbrothers, Nathan Matthews, his wife Chenoa and their children, Chainin and Neela Matthews of Abilene, and Corey Timmons of Denison. Survivors also include grandparents, James and Patsy Cox and Jim and Maxine Matthews all of Abilene, and Ernestine Kennedy of Denison, as well as numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and other relatives. "Matt, you were the joy of our lives." The funeral service will be held at 11:30 a.m. Monday, June 21, at Broadview Baptist Church in Abilene, with Rev. David Cason and Pastor Greg Clemmer officiating. Graveside rites with military honors will follow at 1:00 p.m. in The Texas State Veterans Cemetery at Abilene, directed by The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road. The family will receive friends from 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday, June 20, at the funeral home. Pallbearers will be Bill Guidera, Jakeb Hall, Justin Clossman, Bruce Heath, Nathan Matthews and Josh Carroll. Memorials may be made to Christian Homes of Abilene, P O Box 270, Abilene, TX 79604.