Dennis "Denny" Patrick McKennedy

Dennis "Denny" Patrick McKennedy, 59, of Springfield, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, November 1, 2015 at his residence in Girard. Denny was born on November 5, 1955 in Springfield, the son of Edward and Helen Stevens McKennedy. He married Grace "Lisa" Dowling on June 5, 1982. Denny attended St. Agnes Grade School and was a graduate of Springfield High School. He was employed with the City of Springfield as a lineman and Systems Electrical Operator for 35 years until retirement and was a union member of the local IBEW 193. In his spare time, he enjoyed gardening, walking his dog, Reba, watching the St. Louis Cardinals, and was an avid fan of Rochester Athletics and McKendree University football. Denny volunteered for the Cy Young Baseball League and the Little Flower Men's Club. He was a devoted father and very proud of his children. He was preceded in death by his parents and three dogs, Ranger, Sniper, and Lola. He is survived by his wife, Lisa McKennedy of Springfield; two sons, Ryan (Kimmy) McKennedy of Murphysboro and Cody McKennedy of Springfield; mother-in-law, Marge Heissinger of Springfield; father-in-law, Wayne (Sheryl) Dowling of Harrisburg, PA; brother-in-law, Patrick (Teri) Dowling of Chatham; sister-in-law, Claire Dowling of Springfield; five siblings, Patty (Patrick) Butler of New Concord, KY, Janice Lowe of Bella Vista, AR, Carol (Michael) Lehman of Lansing, KS, Connie Willoughby of Bella Vista, AR, and Thomas McKennedy of Lewisville, TX; twelve nieces and nephews, Kelly, Tom, Jennifer, Julie, Molly, Patrick, Max, Brad, Caitlin, Jordin, Sean, and Christian; many great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins; and beloved dog, Reba. Visitation: Family will receive friends from 4:00 until 7:00 p.m. on Friday, November 6, 2015 at Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield. Visitation will begin with a Eulogy Ceremony. Funeral Mass: 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 7, 2015 at St. Agnes Catholic Church, 245 North Amos Ave., Springfield with Rev. Robert Jallas, celebrant. Burial will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park. Memorial contributions may be made to: Team Red, White, and Blue, 1110 W. Platt St., Tampa, FL 33606 or Sparc, One SPARCenter, 232 Bruns Lane, Springfield, IL 62702.