April 23, 1943 ~ October 17, 2022
Donald Edward Kenyon, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, 4/28/1943-10/17/2022. Donald Edward Kenyon was born in Boston, Massachusetts on April 28, 1943. Don was an identical twin, born 5 minutes before his brother Art and two years after their older sister, Nan Morse. His parents were Harris Kenyon and Barbara Perry Kenyon. Don graduated from Orono High School in Orono, Minnesota in 1961, and from the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis in 1966. He majored in Political Science. Immediately after graduation, Don was drafted into the U.S. Army. He attended Officer Candidate School and served for three years as a First Lieutenant before being Honorably Discharged in 1969. After his time in the service, he was employed by Curtis 1000 for 43 years, working in Houston, TX, before moving to Baton Rouge in 1976. Don married his beloved wife, Sue Kenyon, in 1983, and together they raised their six children – Doug Kenyon, Brad Kenyon, Matt Kenyon, Max Franz, Kristin Schexnayder, and Mark Franz. In 1984, Max was tragically killed by a drunk driver. Don and Sue enjoyed spending time with their grandchildren, William, Danielle, Gabrielle, Miranda, Justin, Joshua, Courtney, Baileigh, Hannah, and Hudson; and their great-grandchildren, Lainie, Kahleah, Annalise, and Waylon. In 2003, Don began volunteering for the Hospice of Baton Rouge, where he visited with patients and perfected the art of giving them haircuts. For years, he coordinated the We Honor Veterans program at the hospice, conducting hundreds of pinning ceremonies for veterans to recognize their contributions and service to our country. On October 14, 2002, We Honor Veterans commended Don for his years of work running the program in Baton Rouge. Both Don and Sue loved to travel, and in their 39 years of marriage, they visited many fabulous locations from Alaska to Belize to the beach at Dauphin Island. Don adored his garden and had a beautiful yard where he enjoyed playing with his two beloved dogs Sadie and Riley. In his retirement, he worked at Clegg’s nursery for three years during their busy Spring season. He credits Butch Drewes with expanding his knowledge of plants. In his spare time, he played a decent game of tennis and a miserable game of golf. Bob Williams was a special friend and neighbor for fifty years. Don’s family is grateful to the Hospice of Baton Rouge for their support and loving care. Don was predeceased by his parents Harris and Barbara Kenyon, his older brother, Bob Kenyon, his younger sister, Patricia Nalezny, and his stepson, Max Franz, Jr. A memorial service for Don’s life will be held at 2:00 in the afternoon on Friday, October 21, 2022 at University Presbyterian Church, 3240 Dalrymple Dr., Baton Rouge, LA 70802. Gifts in memory of Don can be made to Hospice of Baton Rouge.
