Floyd E. "Butch" Kennon

Floyd E. “Butch” Kennon



Floyd E. Kennon of Potosi, Potosi, Missouri was born in Mine La Motte, Missouri on Sunday, March 25, 1917 a son of the late Lona (Umfleet) Kennon and Gilbert L. Kennon. Butch departed this life on Friday, January 4, 2008 at his home surrounded by his loving and devoted family. Butch was Ninety years, Nine months and Ten days of age.

Butch was united in marriage to Opal G. Turnbull in February 1936; Opal preceded him in death May 1987. Butch then married Beth Gamble in May 1990.

Butch is survived by his loving and devoted wife Beth Kennon of Potosi; daughter, Marilyn Cordia and husband Michael of Potosi; sons, Ed Kennon and wife Donna of Potosi, Gil Kennon and wife Modessa of Farmington; brother, Rev. Lawrence Kennon and wife Kathy of Bismarck; grandchildren, Tom Bailey, Robert Kennon, Dennis Kennon, Mike Cordia, Jr. and Nick Kennon; great grandchildren, Jeremy Bailey, Candace Vaughan, Zachary Kennon, Dennis Kennon, Jr., Dillon Cordia, Alex Kennon, Abi Cordia, Alex Bailey, Reagun Kennon, Spencer Bailey, Baylee Kennon and Carmen Kennon; great great grandchildren, Richard Sylvia, Jr. and Olivia Sylvia, many nieces, nephews other relatives and dear and special friends. In addition to his parents and first wife, Butch was also preceded in death by granddaughter Kelly Cordia; four sisters, Peggy Willingham, Virginia Hanner, Hilda Burns and Margie Morrow; an infant brother and a brother Emerson Kennon.

Butch was drafted into the United States Army and was Honorably Discharged after one year and six months, he had served in Germany. While in the Army he was acting Mess Sergeant in the kitchen.

In the early 1960’s he opened the “Kennon’s Restaurant” in Potosi on main street. In early 1970’s he opened the Dine-in at Parkway Shopping Center and a few years later he opened the Dine-In in Bonne Terre, they employed some 50 people. The restaurant on Main Street in Potosi was open from 1959 to 1989. Butch was president of the Missouri Restaurant Assoc. from 1983-1984 and was inducted into the Missouri Foodservice Hall of Fame in 1980. Butch was very active in community affairs, President of Esther School Board, served on the Potosi R-3 School Board, President of the Chamber of Commerce; First Chairman of the Washington County Redevelopment; Member of the Potosi Lions Club since 1959 and served in many capacities including Vice President, President, Director for Lions and the Washington County Fair Board; food committee chairman and on many other committees. He was Past District 26–J Governor of the Missouri Lions. He had attended the National Convention in Hawaii. Butch always set a good example for other Lions Club members, being known for perfect attendance and very active. He was a former employee of St. Joe Lead Company and a Lay Pastor at Grassy Hollow Baptist Church. He and his wife, Beth, were active with the Potosi Southern Baptist Church where they taught 5th Grade Sunday School Class.

His sense of humor brought countless memories for all to enjoy and his memory and spirit will continue to live on, in all who have been touched by his many acts of kindness and respect.

Visitation was held Sunday, January 6, 2008 from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM and Monday, January 7, 2008 from 8:30 AM to 9:45 AM at the Moore Funeral Home, Potosi. A Lions Memorial Service was held Sunday, January 6, 2008 at 5:00 PM at the Moore Memorial Chapel conducted by the Potosi Lions Club.

Funeral Services were held Monday, January 7, 2008 at 10:00 AM at the Potosi Southern Baptist Church with Reverend John Edwards officiating, assisted by Reverend Lawrence Kennon. The Church Choir provided music.

Burial and Final Prayers were at the Red Bud Memorial Gardens Cemetery, Potosi, Missouri. Serving as Pallbearers were Dennis Kennon, John Turnbull, Nick Kennon, Mike Cordia, Jr., Robbie Kennon, Tom Bailey and Dillon Cordia.

Services were Entrusted to the Care and Direction of the Moore Funeral Homes, 105 Clark Street, Potosi, Missouri.