Albert L. Kennard of Kinder, Louisiana, passed away at his home on July 1, 2025. Al, or Dr. Kennard as he was known by many, was born and raised in Kentucky. Al was one of seven children born to Albert and Georgia Kennard.

After high school graduation, Al attended Georgetown University where he spoke of periodically seeing President Harry Truman strolling across Lafayette Square with his walking cane. Al later left Georgetown to serve as an officer in the U.S. Marine Corps.

After receiving his master's degree in educational administration and Supervision, he moved to Louisiana to live with his brother Joe at his farm in Longville, Louisiana. During that time, he taught in Jeff Davis Parish and advanced his career by earning his Ph.D. at the University of Oklahoma. Al was then appointed Superintendent of Allen Parish Schools. After retirement, he pursued a career at McNeese State University where he taught and touched the lives of many educators advancing their degrees in Administration.

At the core of his being, he was a very spiritual man who was deeply rooted in his Catholic faith which determined how he made his life choices. He said what he meant and meant what he said - and he led by example.

Despite feeling a deep sense of loss, Al's family finds comfort in reminiscing about his love of a good joke and contagious laughter, and by celebrating the honorable life he lived - one in which strength and integrity were always foremost. They are most thankful for the positive impact he had as a paw paw, father, teacher, mentor, and friend.

Al is survived by his sister, Sandra Balintfy; his children, Patrice Kennard, Debbie Kennard, Jenny Kennard Fuselier, Renee LeLeux (Keith), Joe Kennard (Amy); his grandchildren, Emily Redwood, Ty Fuselier, Justin Nevils, Taylor Nevils, Kara Kennard, Lainey Kennard, Connor Kennard, Ava Kennard, Hadleigh Kennard, Drew Kennard; and his great-grandchildren, Bryce Nevils, Jett Nevils, and Vivian Nevils.

He is predeceased by his siblings, Allen, Jane, Joe, Bess, Bob, and his parents, Georgia and Albert Kennard.

The family will receive friends at Riley Smith & Sons Funeral Home for Visitation on Thursday, July 3, 2025, beginning at 5:00 pm, and including a Rosary at 6:00 pm. We also welcome the community to attend a memorial Mass at St. Paul Catholic Church, in Elton, Louisiana, on Friday, July 4, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. There will be a private burial following the memorial Mass. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Al's memory.