Leland Leon Kennedy, son of Elmer Gordon Kennedy and Clara Belle Coles Kennedy, was born on his family's farm southeast of Vici, Oklahoma on July 20, 1936. Leland entered the Vici school system at the first grade level and graduated with the Senior Class of 1954. After graduation he attended college at Panhandle A&M College in Goodwell, Oklahoma.

Leland and Wilma Jean Bullard were united in marriage in Vici on December 8, 1957, shortly before Leland was inducted into the U.S. Army. Their home was established in Vici before Leland left to give service to our country. He served twelve months in Guam then ten months in Okinawa, Japan. He was awarded the Good Conduct and Expert Rifle medals. After returning home, three children – Gordon Scott, La Keeta Marie and Rocky Kent were born to Leland and Wilma Jean.

In the early years of marriage, Leland was a heavy equipment operator doing dirt work mostly for Cecil Vincent, constructing government dams. The family moved several times while following his work. They lived in Vici; Oklahoma City; Arnett; and Goodland, Kansas before making their permanent home in the Vici area. Leland also worked for the Chesnut 66 Service Station in Arnett, farmed near Vici, was the manager/owner of the Phillips Station in Vici and was elected the Dewey County Assessor in 1974. He held this final position for 20 years – retiring from public service in 1994.

Leland was an excellent athlete in high school and maintained his interest in sports throughout his lifetime. He enjoyed all sports and during those years in which his own children were performing on the ball diamond or on the basketball court, the Vici School had no greater follower or fan. His own children's departure from their athletic endeavors did not dim his interest in his alma mater's sports program and he was voted "Vici Fan Of The Year" numerous times. Leland was also generous in his giving to various organizations that maintained worthwhile programs – especially those that assisted the youth of the community.

Leland's many interests also included hunting and fishing. He was a member of the National Rifle Association and belonged to both the Elk and Moose Lodges. Of greater note was Leland's most recent desire to install his faith in Christ. Upon his return from the hospital after his latest illness, and a visit from longtime friend, Brother Allen Moss, he insisted upon baptism in The Lord and was assisted in this by Brother Danny Moss, and had his membership of faith vested in the Vici Church of the Firstborn.

Leland was preceded in death by his parents, Elmer and Clara Kennedy; by two sisters, Ahlois Weedon and Elma Lynes and his brother, Harold Kennedy. His most immediate surviving members of his family are his sons – Scott Kennedy and wife Sue of Vici, Oklahoma and Rocky Kennedy and wife Sonja of Alpharetta, Georgia; his daughter,
La Keeta Huber of Vici, Oklahoma; his grandchildren – Kasey, Kelsie and Kenzi Kennedy – Keshia and Corey Huber and Blake and Baylee Kennedy. Jaxon and Logan are his two great grandchildren. He is also survived by many beloved nieces and nephews and by other dear relatives, brethren, and a host of loving friends.
Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. at the Church of the Firstborn in Vici, Oklahoma with burial following at Sunnyside Cemetery east of Vici under the direction of Shaw Funeral Home of Vici. Condolences may be made at shawfuneralhome.net