Verne E. Kenney

Verne E. Kenney, loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away on Saturday, January 13, 2024, at the age of 96.

Verne was born on June 22, 1927, in Pontiac, Michigan, to Hercy (“HF”) and Ione (Bond) Kenney. He graduated in 1945 from Cooley High School in Detroit, where he was recognized as all-state catcher in baseball all four years. After graduation he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served in the Navy Seabees during the closing days of WW2. Following his military service, he tried out and was offered a contract in the Brooklyn Dodgers organization. After seeking counsel, he instead enrolled in Detroit Business College where he earned his Bachelor of Marketing degree. It was in college that he met his wife Marion McKendrick McKean.

Verne and Marion were married on August 26, 1950, in Detroit, where their children were born.  His job with Michigan Farm Bureau took him to the Lansing area, and the family settled in the small town of Williamston, where Verne was active in church, on the school board, and on the township planning commission.  In 1978 Verne took a new position in Albany, New York, with Farm Family Insurance. Following the passing of his wife Marion in 1988, Verne was blessed to reconnect with an old friend from his church in Detroit, and on October 8, 1989, he married the second love of his life, Joanne Davis. After his retirement from Farm Family as CEO in 1990, they relocated to Naples, Florida, where they lived until moving to Vero Beach in 2018.

Verne’s faith in his Savior, Jesus Christ, was central to his life. As a young dad, he and a number of other members of his church started a summer camp called Camp Pembroke, and for years he and Marion spent part of their vacation volunteering at the camp.

Verne was an avid golfer and played regularly into his 90s. He enjoyed and owned many classic cars over the years, including a 1934 Ford coupe and a 1989 Chevrolet Corvette. He was a good friend, a gracious host, and a kind and loving father and grandfather. He lived with gratitude, never failing to express appreciation for his loving wife and, in recent months, the kindness of his caregivers.

Verne was preceded in death by his father, Hercy F. Kenney, and his mother, Ione Elizabeth (Bond) Kenney; his sister Ruth Kenney Rogers, and his stepson Jeff Davis.

He is survived by his wonderful wife Joanne; his two children, Verne (Linda) Kenney, and Faye (Don) Watkins; his step-daughter, Teri (Michael) Brant; 11 grandchildren, G. Wesley Kenney, Jaime Brown, Stephen Davis, Kendra Coulter, Julia Peterson, Travis Brant, Krissy Sousa, Scott Peterson, Emily Williams, and Erica Brant; 11 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 20, 2024, at 2:00pm at The Brennity in Vero Beach.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the VNA & Hospice Foundation of Vero Beach or to the charity of one’s choice.

Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.