Thomas Joseph Kennedy, Sr.

Thomas Joseph Kennedy, Sr. 86, of Callaway, Nebraska, passed away on Thursday, December 4, 2025, at his home, surrounded by his loving family.

Tom was born in Rosebud, South Dakota, on December 7, 1938, to William and Susie Kennedy. He was one of 17 children. He left home at the age of 13. He started working ranch jobs around the Cody, Nenzel and Kilgore area.

Tom joined the United States Army in 1956. He was stationed in Germany for two years before returning in 1958. Once he returned home, he met the love of his life, Carol Mooney. They were united in marriage on September 12, 1959, in Valentine, Nebraska. To this union, three children were born: Lorie, Lisa, and Tom, Jr.

Tom was a very active outdoorsman. He enjoyed hunting and trapping. He worked on several ranches in the Cherry County area. In 1971, he and his family made their home in Callaway, Nebraska, to work for Jim Steinhagen on Red Fern Table. Then he moved to town and worked for Farmers Coop Elevator. He then began working for Farmland Service Coop in the propane department. He later transferred to the fertilizer department until his retirement. After retiring, he enjoyed camping, creating crafts, gardening and working in his shop.

Survivors include his beloved wife of 66 years, Carol Kennedy of Callaway; children, Lorie (Mike) Hoesel of Gothenburg, Lisa (Dave) Youmans of Fremont; Tom (Sherry) Kennedy, Jr. of Callaway; grandchildren, Linzy (Jeremy) Hendricks, Loni (Shawn) Martin, Justin (Randi) Cook, Cooper (Melissa) Youmans, Bryson (Traci) Kennedy, Matt (Tina) Kennedy, and Darcie Kennedy; 11 great-grandchildren, five of his siblings and three sisters-in-law and one brother-in-law.

Besides his parents, Tom was preceded in death by 11 of his siblings, daughter-in-law, Christy Kennedy; four brothers-in-law, and two sisters-in-law.

Tom will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, December 10, 2025 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Callaway, Nebraska with Father Jim, officiating. 

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, December 10, 2025 from 9-10:30 a.m. at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Callaway.

The family requests casual attire. 

Interment with Military Honors will be in Rose Hill Cemetery near Callaway, Nebraska.

Memorials are kindly suggested to the Callaway Volunteer Fire Department or to the family for later designation.

Timm-Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Callaway is honored to be assisting the family with arrangements. Please share online condolences with the family by visiting: reynoldslovefuneralhome.com