Martin Paul Kennedy

Martin Paul Kennedy, a cherished figure in Benton County and a dedicated farmer, passed away peacefully on May 16, 2025, with his beloved family by his side. He was born on May 28, 1931, in Lafayette, Indiana, to the late Paul Joseph Kennedy and Theone Hilsabeck Kennedy. He lived a life filled with love, labor, and community service.

Martin attended St. Joseph College. He married Beverly Smith on June 24, 1954, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Oxford. Lifelong farmer, Martin farmed corn, soybeans and cattle. He’s known to always be a “sharp dressed” man. Martin served as Benton County Democratic Chairman for 50 years, attending the DNC on several occasions.

Martin is survived by his daughters Mary Geib (James) of Remington, IN; Kim Cyr (Timothy) of Littleton, CO; Sheila Rettig (David) of Hilliard, OH; Jacqueline Kennedy-Bowman (Robert) of Fowler, IN; and sons Kevin Kennedy (Carol) of West Lafayette, IN; Paul Joseph Kennedy of Blue Ash, OH. He was also a devoted brother to Tim Kennedy (Norine) and to his sisters Ella Carroll Mannebach (Mike) and Kevin Kennedy Lunsford (Stu). He is also survived by 16 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Along with his parents he was preceded in death by his wife, Beverly Kennedy, daughter Rita Kennedy, son Terry Kennedy, great-grandson Archer Bowman, brothers Jack Kennedy, Patrick Kennedy and sisters Joan Baulos, Sally Griffin, Margie Hunnicutt, and Kay Sizelove.

Martin’s passions in life were his love for family, nightly ice cream, St. Louis Cardinals and Notre Dame Football.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, May 28 from 4-7 PM at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, located at 504 S Michigan St, Oxford, IN. A second visitation will take place on May 29 from 10-11 AM, Rosary service will start at 10:30 AM with the Mass of Christian Burial starting at 11 AM all at St. Patrick’s. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be sent to Benton County Co-op or Sacred Heart Elementary. Hahn-Groeber Funeral Home is honored to serve the Kennedy family. Please leave memories and condolences at hahngroeberfuneralhome.com