William "Bill" Daniel Kennedye, II

Norman resident, William “Bill” Daniel Kennedye, II, AKA Dan Deer, a member of the Kiowa Tribe passed away Saturday, June 13, 2020. Bill was born November 3, 1971 in Lawton, OK to David Benton Kennedye and Paula Chritarae (Deer) Dezso. He grew up in Midwest City and then Jones, OK. He attended Mount St. Marys HS and Jones HS, graduating from the latter in 1989. Bill earned a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a minor in Studio Arts, as well as a Bachelor’s degree in Biology from the University of Oklahoma. Bill was a gifted and talented artist who drew inspiration from his Kiowa heritage, his grandfather, Ray Deer, his mother, and the late Lois Smokey who was one of the most sought after artists belonging to the world-renowned “Kiowa Five” group of artists. He appreciated and loved the work of his ancestry but also saw the world as an ever-evolving canvas.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Raymond Amos and Vivian Ward Deer, William Daniel and Dora Kennedye; stepfather, Endre Dezso; and uncle, James Deer.

He is survived by his parents, his son, William Daniel Kennedye, III; brothers, Dr. James R. Kennedye and wife Samantha and Charles “Boots” Benton Kennedye; nephew, Dr. Patrick Kennedye; nieces, U.S. Navy Lt. Jacqueline McCrory, and Ivy Kennedye; as well as many cousins, relatives and friends.