Timothy Murlin Kennedy, age 69, of Mendon, Ohio passed away after a long battle with cancer at 1:16 pm on Saturday, January 16, 2016 at his residence with his devoted family by his side.

He was born in Lima, Ohio on January 10, 1947 to the late William Murlin and Eleanore (Zimmerman) Kennedy. On June 28, 1969, he married his high school sweetheart, Sandra Sue Burget, who survives in Mendon.

Also, surviving are his two children Carey and Brook (Kennedy) Sipe of Ft. Wayne, Ryan and Stephanie Kennedy of Mendon, and two granddaughters Kennedy and Madelyn Sipe.

He graduated from Lima Senior High School with the Class of 1965 then received his B.A. in Botany from Miami University in 1969. Tim continued his education at the Chico State College in Chico, California, and finished his education with a M.S. in Education at the University of Dayton in 1974.

During high school and college he worked in Lima, Ohio at Fair Radio, Lima Register Company, and Norfolk and Western Railroad. In 1969, he began his career teaching with a passion to impact lives in education at Lima Senior High School as a science teacher and aviation instructor, he transitioned into the role of Junior Class Principal in 1982.

He transferred to the Celina High School in 1985. At Celina City Schools he taught Advanced Biology, Ecology, and coordinated and led the Western Field Study trips until he retired in 1999. Tim was also a grain farmer since 1975 on his seventh-generation family farm in Mendon.

He was a member, Elder, and Deacon at the First Presbyterian Church in Celina. Tim's personal relationship with God was evident to everyone who knew him, leading by example to find the good in all people, inspiring, and mentoring people to serve others.

He was a member and contributor to the Loyal Order of Moose, Lakefield Airport Authority Board, Leota Braun Charitable Foundation, Gateway Outreach Center Board, Parkway and Mendon School Board for 13 years, Mercer County Fair Board, and the Union Township Zoning Commission. He was also a member of the Tri Moraine Audubon Society, Phi Delta Kappa, and the Nature Conservancy District.

He enjoyed being an environmentalist managing over 45 acres of wetlands. Recently, he was awarded "Conservationist of The Year" from Mercer County Soil and Water and "Habitat Cooperator" from Mercer County Pheasants Forever #745.

His favorite past times were fishing, hunting, photography, flying, and extensively traveling to all 50 states with his family and friends, with the most special memories made at Emerald Isle, North Carolina. People will always remember his smile and laugh as he was a true mentor and leader for future generations.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 am on Saturday, January 23, 2016 at the First Presbyterian Church in Celina, with Rev. Steve and Kae Merold and Rev. Nan Clancy officiating. Burial will follow in Bethel Cemetery in Mendon.

Friends may call from 2 to 8 pm on Friday, January 22, 2016 at the Lehman-Dzendzel Funeral Home in Celina or from 9:30 am to 10:30 am on Saturday at the church.

Memorial contributions may be made to Sandra Kennedy for the creation of a pine grove memorial in the Kennedy Wetlands on Tim's farm or to the Community Health Professionals of Celina.

Condolences may be left at LehmanDzendzelFH.com.