OBITUARY: Scott Kennedy brought laughter to troops overseas
His legacy was laughter. Comedian Scott Kennedy went to be with his Lord on Thursday, March 14, 2013. He left behind myriads of people who loved him and loved his comedy.
Born on July 7, 1965, Scott was the son of Barbara and Jack Kennedy, who raised him in Hobbs and Albuquerque, N.M. He attended New Mexico Military Institute and then graduated from Lubbock Monterey High. Scott attended The College of Santa Fe before selling cars for his dad.
Even as a child he was funny. He took the mic at an Open Mic Night at Froggy Bottoms Comedy Club in Lubbock, and his love of stand-up was cemented forever. Doing stand-up at the Improv in L.A., at Froggy Bottoms in Lubbock, and at clubs in Houston, his career took off and he soon was performing all over the U.S.
Hired by the USO, Scott began traveling to military bases overseas. He knew at once that entertaining the troops (he called them the Heroes) was his passion. Scott made many trips to Iraq, Kuwait, and Afghanistan through the years with Armed Forces Entertainment, taking his dad, Jack, with him on a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Iraq in 2008.
Scott would say at the end of each set: “Everyone in America sends their thanks to you, but only one came tonight to personally thank you — my 75 year-old father, Jack Kennedy.” Jack would then stand up and thank them.
Through the years, Scott made many friends, both in the military and in the entertainment world. Hundreds of these friends have posted their condolences and memories on Facebook this week.
Scott was preceded in death by his mother, Barbara Kennedy and by his life partner, Kevin Maye. Jack and Carolyn Kennedy of Marble Falls; Scott’s sister, Debbie Hilburn of LakeWay; his nephew Wes, wife Rebecca, their two sons Caden and Maxx of Austin; his nephew Matt, wife Heather, their two daughters Ellie and Lila of Borger, join other family members and friends in mourning the loss of Scott.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, March 30, at the First United Methodist Church in Marble Falls at 1 p.m., and everyone is welcome. A tribute to Scott will be held later in L.A. at the Improv Comedy Club.