August 1, 1941 – January 22, 2025
Lyle Garnet Kennedy, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully on January 22, 2025, at the age of 83.
Born on August 1, 1941, in Detroit, Michigan, Lyle was the son of Martha and Glenn Kennedy and the identical twin brother of Lynn Kennedy. His younger brother, Merrill, was born a decade later. The Kennedy family relocated to Walnut, California, in 1956 when Lyle’s father moved the family machinery business westward.
Lyle graduated from Puente High School and went on to attend Mt. San Antonio Junior College and California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, where he studied engineering while working in the family business. After marrying his high school sweetheart, Marci Cook, Lyle began his career in the engineering departments of Los Angeles County and the cities of Upland and San Bruno. He later returned to Southern California to help run the family business, Industry Machinery Sales, until its sale in 2013, when he retired.
Lyle and Marci were married for 47 wonderful years until her passing in 2010. Together, they raised three children and were active members of Walnut Valley Baptist Church, where Lyle served as a deacon. Later, the couple attended Inland Community Church in Chino and contributed to the children’s ministry.
In 2014, Lyle found love again and married Velma Neeley. The couple relocated to Elverta, California, where Lyle embraced his passions, including classic cars, swap meets, and car shows. He was a proud member of several car clubs and delighted in sharing his vast knowledge about cars and Henry Ford with anyone who would listen. Known for his sense of humor, Lyle loved telling jokes and bringing joy to others.
A devout Christian, Lyle was a member of Lifepointe Nazarene Church in Rio Linda, where he cherished participating in Bible studies and fellowship with his community. His love for God and his country was evident in all he did.
Lyle was preceded in death by his wife, Marci; his parents, Martha and Glenn; and his brother, Merrill. He is survived by his wife, Velma; his children, Raechel (Glen) Mayfield, Blaine (Cris) Kennedy, and Joshua (Monika) Kennedy; his twin brother, Lynn (Hubertine) Kennedy; and his sister-in-law, Valerie (Merrill) Kennedy. Lyle also leaves behind seven grandchildren—Christopher, Amanda, Makayla, Shelby, Jackson, Ashley, and Windsor—along with numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. He cherished his stepchildren—Cynthia (Charles) Odom, Cheryl (Bill, deceased) Harris, and the late Jeffrey Langenhorst—and step-grandchildren, Amber, Amie, and Ezekiel, as well as two great-grandchildren.
Lyle’s infectious enthusiasm, kind spirit, and unwavering faith will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
A memorial service is scheduled for March 1st, from 1pm to 3pm at Lifepoint Church in Rio Linda.
