Lawrence Roger Kennedy, Jr.

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Roger’s passion for football was just about as strong as his heart for service.

Lawrence “Roger” Kennedy Jr., a devoted husband, father figure, veteran, and longtime servant of his community, entered into eternal rest on October 3, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of love, service, and dedication to those around him.

Roger proudly served his country after enlisting in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War. He was a plank owner of the USS Anchorage (LSD-36), having been a member of the ship’s original commissioning crew.

Throughout his life, Roger was deeply committed to serving his community. Roger was a proud member of the Masonic Lodge and served as a Past Master of Pine Grove Lodge #288, F&AM. He also spent time as a Shriner, where he volunteered as “Pockets” the clown to help raise money for Shriners Children’s Hospitals.

Roger’s passion for football was just about as strong as his heart for service. For 25 years, he served as Commissioner for Ponchatoula Little Conference Football, dedicating countless hours to supporting local youth and athletics. He later continued that commitment to the community by serving two terms on the board as a commissioner for the Ponchatoula Area Recreation District (PARD). His involvement in these organizations reflected the same spirit of service and generosity that defined so much of his life.

Roger was also a skilled tradesman and worked as a journeyman plumber for Ed’s Plumbing.

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He volunteered as “Pockets” the clown to help raise money for Shriners Children’s Hospitals.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Dorothy Kennedy and his namesake, Roger Kennedy Sr.; his brother-in-law, Sidney Jones; his niece, Katie Lynn Jones, and nephew Ken Kellum.

Roger is survived by his loving wife of 30 years, Sue Meyers Kennedy; and his son, Joshua Williams (Teressa). He also leaves behind his nephew, Kevin Meyn, and great-nieces and great-nephews, Katie Rose Meyn (Hunter), Krzysztof Meyn, and Donavon Meyn, who held an especially significant place in his life. More than nieces and nephews, they were children of his heart. Roger played an important role in raising them, loving and caring for them as his own and providing a constant source of guidance, support, and unconditional love throughout their lives.

He is also survived by his siblings, Danny Kennedy (Marion), Dale Kennedy (Rosie), Karen Jones (Hank), and Erin Radle (David); his nieces, Heather Barrere (Johnny), Joanna Kennedy, Emily Riemer (Scott), Laura Kellum, and Sarah Radle; his nephews, Robert Majesty Jr. (Melinda), Thomas Radle, Matthew Kennedy (Leslie), and his nephew and godchild, Jonathan Kennedy (Emma); his great-nieces, Keegan Barrere, Kylie Kennedy, and Hannah Lawrence (Lucas); his great-nephews, Robert Paul Majesty, Kaden Barrere, Caleb Kellum, Sterling Kennedy, and Luke Kennedy; and many other special family members whom he loved dearly.

A lifelong animal lover, Roger also had a special place in his heart for his beloved fur babies, who brought him great joy and companionship. He is survived by Iam, Luna, Lucky, Tucker, and Minou, each of whom was deeply loved and very much a part of his family.

Roger will be interred at Southeast Louisiana Veterans Cemetery in Slidell, Louisiana, on Monday, October 12th, 2026. 

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, October 11, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the PARD Event Facility at 42128 North Hoover Road. Ponchatoula, LA 70454 All are welcome to attend and celebrate Roger’s life.

Roger’s legacy will live on through the family he loved, the community he served, and the many lives he touched throughout his lifetime.