Larry Michael Kennedy

Larry Michael Kennedy, 62, passed away peacefully at his home with family present in Ochelata, OK on October 27, 2023. Larry (Mike as he was known to his immediate family) was born December 17, 1960 in Midland, MI, the son of proud parents Larry Eugene Kennedy and Myrtle Marion (McRoberts) Kennedy. Larry grew up in a close and loving family alongside older sister Debbie and younger sister Diane and an extended family of grandparents and many aunts, uncles, and cousins. He attended Bay City Western Highschool, class of 1979 where he ran track and was part of the school’s marching band, playing the French horn. After graduating high school, Larry attended Northwood Institute in Midland to study accounting, but shortly after realized and began pursuing his true passion, culinary arts. Larry’s first job in the restaurant sector was at Captain Nemo, in Midland. Larry was always an incredibly hard worker. At Captain Nemo, he began as a dishwasher and in a short period of time, developed his craft and worked his way up to Sous Chef. In July of 1986, while working as a Sous Chef at the Midland Country Club, Larry met and fell in love with Sheri Dawn (Rott), due in part to, as Larry described it, her native Oklahoma accent. Larry and Sheri were married in Midland on October 10th, 1987. Larry loved trying new things, being challenged, and had a unique talent for taking a place from surviving to thriving. From 1987 to 2000, Larry worked at a variety of locations including Sous Chef positions at Emerywood Country Club (Highpoint, NC) and Little Harbor Club (Traverse City, MI). Larry also worked as Executive Chef at Richmond Hill Inn and conference center (Asheville, NC), NewBern Golf and Country Club (Newbern, NC), Benvenue Country Club (Rocky Mount, NC) and Green Boundary Club (Aiken, SC) where he also served as General Manager. Larry was an accomplished chef, ice sculptor, and baker. His culinary skill landed him numerous awards and honors, including his most prized accomplishment, an invitation to participate in “Taste of the Town” at the Biltmore estate in Asheville, thus designating him as a Top Chef in the state of North Carolina. In July of 2000, Larry permanently settled in Ochelata, OK. While in OK, Larry worked as Executive Chef at Jarrett Farm Bed and Breakfast, and eventually retired from the culinary field completing his career with the Cherokee Nation. During this time, Larry built a family that he was very proud of. He loved each of his 4 children deeply. He raised them to reach for the stars, work hard, love hard, and to give generously, as he did, of their time and talents to those around him. Larry also loved being Gramps to his grandchildren who each adored him, and was happiest with a lap full of children and his dog, Kirby, by his side. Larry was famous among his family and friends for his beautiful landscaping, fine cooking, great jokes, excellent dance moves, festive Christmas light display, and his delicious cakes. His loss will be felt by the many people he touched during his life. Larry is survived by his parents, Larry and Myrtle Kennedy, of Midland MI; wife, Sheri, of Ochelata, OK; daughter, Dawn (Michael) Kennedy Prusator of St. Louis, MO; daughter, Autumn (Cerik) Kennedy Martin of Chelsea, OK; son Austin of Coweta, OK; daughter Destiny of Ochelata, OK; Sister Debbie (Keith) Kennedy Westphal of Midland, MI and Diane (Greg) Kennedy Wirsing of Midland, MI. Larry also leaves behind his four greatest treasures, grandchildren Bear and Lily Prusator, and Dorian and Isobel Martin. Larry is preceded in death by his grandson, Castiel Martin, loving grandmothers Rozannah (Holy) McRoberts and Mabel (Fick) Kennedy, and numerous other grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and beloved family.

Larry Michael Kennedy

December 17, 1960 - October 27, 2023