Mark Daniel Kennedy

Mark Daniel Kennedy, age 44, died unexpectedly on Tuesday, February 18th while working overseas as a maritime security professional. Mark D. Kennedy was born on January 25, 1970 in Baton Rouge, LA to Dannie and Nanda Kennedy. He graduated from Central High School in 1988 and later earned his degree from Campbell University in 2009. Mark enlisted in the United States Navy in November 1995 and went on to become a Navy SEAL after graduating from Basic Underwater Demolition school (BUDs) class 209 in Feb. 1997. Later graduating from the Special Operations Combat Medic course in January 1998, Mark went on to specialize as a Navy SEAL combat medic (18D). Serving as a Navy SEAL for more than 13 years, Mark was assigned to SEAL Team 8, SEAL Team 2, and the Naval Special Operations Medical Institute. In support of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) and Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF), Mark deployed on multiple combat tours to Iraq and Afghanistan. Mark was a highly decorated Navy SEAL; his two most notable decorations being the Meritorious Service Medal (MSM) and the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with "V" device for valor. Mark was a great patriot, a loving husband, father, and son. He had many loyal friends and teammates including Jake Jacobs and Lawrence DeMonico. Mark was an avid reader, loved adventure, vacationing with his wife, Julia, and working out with his CrossFit family. He is survived by his loving wife, Julia Kennedy; son, Mason Kennedy; and his wiener dogs, Rudy and Mia. He is also survived by his parents, Dannie and Nanda Kennedy; brother and sister-in-law, Greg and Karen Kennedy; nephew and niece, Logan and Claire Kennedy; aunts and uncles, Betty K. Marionneaux , Merlin and Diane K. Henderson, and Don L., Jr. and Lori Pogue. Preceded in death by paternal grandparents, Huey and Minnie Carpenter; biological grandfather, Earl Kennedy; and maternal grandparents, Don, Sr. and Everlee Pogue. A memorial service and celebration of Mark's life will be held at the Rabenhorst Funeral Home East, 11000 Florida Blvd, on Saturday, March 8th. Visitation begins at 3:30pm followed by the memorial service at 5:30pm. Private internment services will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Mark Kennedy's name to the Navy SEALS Fund atwww.navysealsfund.org/InMemory" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://www.navysealsfund.org/InMemory">www.navysealsfund.org/InMemory. Many thanks for the overwhelming support from friends and family who knew and loved Mark. Please visit the online guest book atwww.rabenhorst.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://www.rabenhorst.com/">www.rabenhorst.com.