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Obituary
February 12, 1927 to August 1, 2003

Roswell Edward Kenna, Jr., "Ros" went to be with his Lord Jesus Christ, Friday, August 1, 2003. We mourn the loss of a loving and dedicated husband of 50 years, a caring father, a joyous father-in-law, a proud grandfather, a friend and mentor. We celebrate that he has joined his family in heaven and is in the loving arms of his beloved Savior.

He was preceded in death by his father, Roswell E. Kenna, Sr., his mother, Olive Jane Graves Kenna, and infant son, Edward Ray Kenna. He is survived by his widow, Dorothy Fay Averett Kenna, five sons and four daughters-in-law; James and Chong, John, Donald and Cecelia, Wayne and Valerie, Scott and Lisa, 13 grandchildren, first cousins Robert, Glen, Don, Judy, Nancy, Tommy and Louise Graves, and many friends.

Ros was born on February 12, 1927 in Tampa, Florida. He was raised in Tampa and was a long-time resident until moving to Sun City Center, Florida in his later years. He graduated from Hillsborough High School before enlisting in the U.S. Navy, serving on active duty from 1945 to 1946 and in the Navy Reserve from 1947 to 1950. He was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the U.S. Army in 1952 and served thirty-five years on active duty and in the reserves, reaching the rank of Colonel upon his retirement in 1985 as the Commandant of the USAR School in Tampa.

As a young Lieutenant, he was stationed at Ft. Rucker, Alabama where he met the love of his life, Dorothy Fay Averett. They were married February 28, 1953. Shortly thereafter, he was shipped to Korea where he served during the final months of the Korean War. Ros served as the Liaison Officer between the City of Tampa and MacDill AFB. He, also, served on former Senator Sam Gibbons' board for West Point appointees.

Ros worked for the University of Tampa for many years, but found his true calling as a teacher. Ros taught 7th and 8th grade American History at Madison Junior High School for 15 years, receiving many awards and honors. One of his joys was receiving phone calls from former students. Education was very important to Ros. A life-long student, he received his Bachelor and Masters degree from the University of Tampa and an Education Specialist degree from Nova University.

Ros was an avid drummer from childhood and loved music. He was a charter member of the Tampa Philharmonic Orchestra, now the Florida Orchestra. Ros served his community as a member of the Civitan Club of Tampa as an active member and past president. He was an active member of the Full Gospel Business Men's Fellowship and Gideons International. Above all, Ros loved Jesus Christ whom he gladly served and was a member of Wimauma Church of God in Sun City Center.

Visitation Monday (August 4, 2003), 6:00 - 8:00 pm Garden of Memories Chapel, Tampa. Funeral service Tuesday (August 5, 2003), 10:00 am Wimauma Church of God, 5504 E St Rd 674. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Gideon's International and the Full Gospel Business Men's Fellowship.

Memories

"Dad was a generous man. I remember when he gave me his trailer so I could transport my dirt bikes even though he was not fond of motorcycles."

"We called him 'Superman' because everytime you asked him how he was doing he said 'Super!'".

Things He Loved

• Golf
• Cream Chipped Beef
• Ruby Red Grapefruit
• Coke Floats
• Monday Night Football
• Tampa Spartan Football
• Onion and Mayonnaise Sandwiches
• Camping
• Sending one of his boys for a tool until they found the right one
• Fishing
• Flying Model Airplanes
• Drums
• Buffets
• Church
• His Pastor
• Mom, his sons, daughters-in-law and grandchildren