Kirk "Coach" Kennedy

John Kirk “Coach Kennedy” Kennedy

63, of Demotte, IN, passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 27, 2026, with his wife and close friends by his side, after an extended battle with multiple illnesses.  He is survived by his wife, Michelle “Mickie”; his mother, Ione of Brownsburg, IN; brother, Mark of OH; and a host of friends who he considered family.  He was preceded in death by his father, Bob. 

Coach grew up in Waynesville, OH.  He attended the USAF Academy for one year graduating from University of Louisville, where he also played football.  He coached for Bloomington South, North Judson, and Franklin County school systems, and was the Head Football Coach for both Lowell and Kankakee Valley High Schools, recently retiring as Attendance Director.  He transformed the Red Devil Football program, beginning in 1991.  He coached them to 10 Sectionals, 6 Regionals, 3 Semi-State Championships, a memorable State Championship in 2005, and a total of 208 career victories.  Football would become much more than a game for Kirk. It became his life’s work and the avenue through which he would influence generations of young men. Away from the football field, Kirk loved Harley-Davidson motorcycles, fast cars, and spending time with his beloved cat, Shadow. Beneath the tough football-coach exterior was a man who cared deeply about the people—and animals—he loved.  Most of all, Kirk shared his life with his wife, Mickie. Together they built a life filled with love, friendship, laughter, and countless memories.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, October 1, from 2-7 at Sheets Funeral Home & Cremation Services in Lowell, IN.  We ask that you be brief with your condolences to the family so that we may accommodate all of Coach’s friends.  Once you have paid your respects to the Kennedy family, you are invited to gather at Signature Banquets to continue visiting with friends.   A service will be held at the funeral home at 7 PM, and livestreamed at Signature Banquets and the funeral home’s Facebook page as well.   In honor of Coach, wearing shorts and T shirts are welcome.  For Parking, our parking lot is on the south side of the funeral home and extends east to Castle Street.  You may also use the church lot, the lot to the North of State Farm, and a portion of Chase Bank’s lot.  The 2 Town lots may be utilized at any time as well.  AFTER BUSINESS HOURS, you may also use the remainder of Chase and State Farm lots.  Lowell High School SOUTH parking lot ONLY may be utilized AFTER 330 for overflow parking for Signature Banquets, the businesses around Signature Banquets may be utilized AFTER BUSINESS HOURS.  Please be kind to our neighbors and avoid blocking driveways and garages.  Private Burial will take place in Aurora, IN. 

In Lieu of flowers, Memorial Contributions may be given to Disabled American Veterans.

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