Bert Kennard

Bert Foster Kennard, retired funeral home owner and Director died October 26th, 2016 at the age of 93. He was born January 4th, 1923 in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma to Berthene and J.E. Kennard. He graduated from Broken Arrow High School in 1940 and attended Texas Tech University until being called to serve in the Army during World War II where he reached the rank of First Sergeant. Among his military awards was the Bronze Star for gallantry.
Bert was very active in Broken Arrow civic programs including The Chamber of Commerce, Rooster Days and The Cotton Jubilee. He was a member of The Lions Club and the Broken Arrow Rotary. From the 1950's -1970's he was instrumental in the development of the Tulsa State Fair having been appointed to six, three year terms, as director of the fair. He also served on the Executive Board and was Vice President for four years. In 1952 He served as the President of the Northeastern Oklahoma Area Council of Girl Scouts, at that time, the youngest in the nation. He was a member of the Tulsa Chamber of Commerce and worked diligently representing the City of Broken Arrow to complete the Broken Arrow Expressway and the Verdigris River Navigation System.
In addition to his parents, Bert was proceeded in death by his brother J.E. Kennard Jr., (Mabel) sisters Billie Rooney (James) and Lucy Trotter (L.C.) and niece Sally K. Simons. He was the husband of the late Becky Kennard and the late Suzan Kennard.
Survivors include step-daughters Marshawn and Murrey McNabb, nephews Joe Trotter (Tammy) Stephen K. Trotter (Christian Grant) Dr. Bill Kennard (Martha) Scott Kennard (Margaret) and numerous great nieces and nephews.
A Memorial service will be held Friday, November 4th at 11:00 AM, St. Stephen's United Methodist Church, Broken Arrow, OK.
Bert's family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the staff at Oklahoma Methodist Manor for their love and care. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to either the Broken Arrow or Catoosa Historical Society.