William Gary Kennan

William Gary Kennan passed away peacefully in his home on September 23, 2023 with his wife and two daughters by his side after a two year struggle with Alzheimer’s disease. A memorial service will be held in his honor on Saturday, October 7 at 2:00 pm at Rayne Memorial United Methodist Church in New Orleans, LA. Visitation is from 1:00 - 2:00 pm.

Gary was born July 10, 1943 in Fayetteville, AR to Norman Clyde Kennan and Blanche Edwards Kennan. He was raised with his two older sisters in Fayetteville where he attended public schools, graduating from Fayetteville High School in 1961. Gary studied sociology at the University of Arkansas where he met Carol Ann Wilkins. Gary and Carol married in 1966 and moved to Bentonville, AR in1969 after Gary received a Juris Doctorate from the University of Arkansas School of Law.

As an attorney for nearly 50 years, Gary had private practices and served as Prosecuting Attorney for Benton, Madison, and Carroll Counties from 1974-1978. In the early 1990’s, Gary served as public defender in Benton County. Gary and Carol moved to New Orleans in 2004, where he pursued business interests and became a grandfather. He would continue to use his law degree to help clients with disabilities receive Social Security benefits.

A lifelong democrat, Gary was always concerned about justice and inequality. He instructed his daughters to “Do right,” and instilled in them a strong moral compass. He gave his time and service in helping others through the Kiwanis Club and the Methodist church. He was an active member of First United Methodist Church in Bentonville, and later Rayne Memorial United Methodist Church in New Orleans. He served as an usher during many Sunday services at both churches.

Gary loved sporting events and live music. He attended the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival with family for many years and sought out concerts of some of his favorite musicians including the Eagles and Willie Nelson. He was a fan of the Arkansas Razorbacks and the New Orleans Saints, attending many games with friends and family members. He was equally enthusiastic to cheer on his grandchildren in recreational soccer and baseball.

Gary is survived by his wife of 57 years, Carol Wilkins Kennan; his daughters, Tracy Edwards Kennan (Anthony Donado) and Ashley Wilkins Kennan; his grandchildren, Rimes Kennan Donado and Lola Kennan Donado. He is also survived by his sisters, Norma Kennan Culp (Joe Culp) and Ann Kennan Magruder (R. Gregg Magruder); and sister-in-law Ruth Wilkins Harper (Rick Harper) as well as four nieces and one nephew, eight great-nieces and nephews and many dear friends in Bentonville and New Orleans.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Gary’s honor to Rayne Memorial United Methodist Church in New Orleans and First United Methodist Church in Bentonville.