Leland Kenney

Leland Dale Kenney, 84, of Des Moines, passed away after a brief illness on Wednesday, August 30, 2017 at his home. Leland was born on September 29, 1932 in Kearney, NE. to Martha (Marsh) and Archie Kenney.

The family moved to Corydon, Iowa in 1939. Leland graduated from Corydon High School in 1950. In January, 1951 he joined the U.S. Navy. He served aboard the aircraft carrier, USS Midway as a member of the flight deck crew. The Midway’s operation was in the North Atlantic and the Mediterranean Sea in places like Nova Scotia, Spain, Italy and Greece. In November 1954 he left the Navy and farmed for 2 years. In November 1954 he married Shirley Ann Davis.

In January of 1957 Leland joined the Iowa Air National Guard based at the DSM Airport. He served as DSM Fire Chief for many years and retired in 1986. He was also a member of Bloomfield Township Volunteer Fire Department (now called Northern Warren) of Des Moines for over 20 years and served as Chief for part of those years. He wore many hats – farmer, mechanic, fireman and he loved restoring old cars. Leland did custom farm work for the next few years. He was a member of the Fort Des Moines United Methodist Church, Bellizzi MacRae American Legion Post 659 and the Silver Squadron.

Those left to honor and cherish his memory are his loving wife, Shirley; sister, Eula Henderson of Corydon, IA; brothers, Dean (Doris) Kenney of Allerton, IA and Gordon (Shirley) of Foxfield, CO; many nieces and nephews; special friends, Cindy and Steve Florer and Melissa Thompson; and other beloved family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Jackie Lee and brother in-law, Wayne Henderson.

Funeral services will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, September 5, 2017 at Hamilton’s Southtown Funeral Home, 5400 SW 9th Street in Des Moines. Family will start greeting visitors at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday at the funeral home. His final resting place will be at the Corydon Cemetery in Corydon, Iowa at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be directed to family.

Condolences may be expressed at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com

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