Patrick Hayes Kennell

Patrick Hayes Kennell—known lovingly as Daddy, Chiefy, and simply Pawpaw to so many—passed away on January 1, 2026, at the age of 90, in his home, surrounded by an abundance of love. Ever himself, he rang in the New Year and went out with a bang. Patrick was born on October 23, 1935.

Pawpaw was truly a stranger to no one, a friend to all, and a rock to his community and family. He was a wonderful husband, a great father, the most beloved grandpa and great-grandpa, and a steady, kind presence to everyone lucky enough to know him. To be around Pawpaw was to feel instantly at ease, welcome, cared for, and most likely offered a cup of coffee; his happiness was truly contagious.

Born in Kentucky and raised in San Antonio, Texas, Pat carried with him a quiet strength that defined his entire life. He was mentally sharp, witty, and clear until the very end, strong in every sense of the word. He never met a stranger, only immediate friends, and he showed up for people with authenticity and an easy kindness that made everyone feel at home.

Pat shared 72 beautiful years of marriage with his beloved wife, Barbara, Mee Maw to many. Married at just 15 and 17, they built a life together rooted in love, commitment, and pride. They met at a party with their friends and Pat asked Barbara out right away. From that moment on, they were never apart. As a husband, he took care of Mee Maw, loved her deeply, and stood by her side always.

As a father to his four children—Liz, Tammy, Walter, and Jeff—dad was a source of strength, steadiness, laughter, and unconditional love. As “Pawpaw,” he was legendary: patient, proud, playful, and endlessly devoted. He carried his family with ease and made every one of them feel protected and cherished.

Patrick worked for City Public Service and retired at the young age of 49. Retirement didn’t slow him down, it gave him more time to do what mattered most: taking care of his people. He lovingly cared for both his mother and mother-in-law after they were widowed, a quiet example of duty and grace. He took pride above all else in his family.

Known affectionately as “Chiefy,” a nickname that stuck naturally over time, Pawpaw truly was the Chief of the tribe—leading not by command, but by example. He showed leadership through service, kindness, and an unwavering commitment to those around him.

Patrick’s passions were simple and joyful. He was an incredible fisherman, razor-sharp at cards and games, and famously unbeatable when he set his mind to winning. He loved his church, and when they were younger, Pat and Barb were greeters. People made a point to stop by their doors for his kind smile. There were too many amazing trips to the coast to mention, and beautiful sunsets to color his life, nearly always capped with a fish fry. He loved regular trips to H-E-B, sometimes for Blue Bell ice cream, sometimes just to talk to people. He enjoyed garage sales with Mee Maw and collecting things that he may never use, but someone just might need one day. They often took easy drives to look at the deer, and he loved feeding “his” deer every single day. They loved him right back.

People will forever remember Pawpaw’s warm smile, his infectious laugh, and his genuinely good heart—along with the surprise of how quickly that sweet man could smoke you in a card game. He made people feel warm, safe, and cared for. He took care of everyone.

Patrick’s legacy lives on through the values he passed down: honesty, family, happiness, strength, faith, and grace.

Patrick is survived by his loving wife, Barbara Kennell; his children, Elizabeth (Liz) and husband Brian Hiatt; Tammy and husband John Lee; Walter Kennell and Melissa Capozzoli; and Jeff Kennell and wife LeShea; his loving sister, Dorothy Ziemba. He is also survived by his grandchildren and their spouses: Holly and Zack (Lauren); Todd (Ali); Crystal (Jon Paul); Candace (Aekkasit “Big”); Greg (Loren); Justin (Marissa); Mikala (Brandon); Chandler (Maria); Sawyer; Delaney; Caroline; Jake (Taylor); Jason (Brittney); and Katie (Joel). He leaves behind 18 great-grandchildren—Colton, Hunter, Parker, Duncan, Elliott, Windsor, Ryder, Penny, Cooper, Amelia, Eli, Nora, Paige, Andrew, Ben, Eliza, Jack, Cal—and two more on the way.

Patrick will be deeply missed and forever loved by many nieces, nephews and cousins; and wonderful friends who are like family. When thinking of him, many will still hear his laugh or the familiar words: “Well… oh-kay.”

A celebration of Patrick’s life will be announced at a later date.