David Maddox Kennell's Obituary
David Kennell went to be with the Lord on Oct 21, 2015.
Dave was born October 31, 1956 in Houston, TX. Dave was an amazingly creative individual. He was an artist and loved drawing and painting. We have many of his art works at home. Dave was also a great musician. He was able to pick up a guitar and play any genre of music he happened to be listening to at the time. He was also proficient on the piano and the harmonica. Dave wrote many of his own songs and they are beautiful. His talent truly was limitless. One of his greatest pleasures in life was music and he enjoyed passing his love of music down to both his children. He taught Derek to play guitar at an extremely young age. One of my favorite memories is Derek, as a baby, on his Dad’s lap learning basic chords. Derek and Dave continued playing together throughout Dave’s life. Dave taught Shea piano. When she was a little girl she would sit on his lap as he taught her songs. They would sit at the piano and play for hours, singing and having fun. Dave was actually a professional guitarist, self-taught, and amazingly good. He played every weekend with different bands in Austin’s music scene in the 80’s. He was in such demand he had “gigs” every Friday and Saturday night. I would go down to a club and sit in the audience beaming with pride that my husband was the one playing lead guitar in the band.
During the weekdays, after work, Dave had band practice at our house. It was both noisy and beautiful, memories I will always cherish.
Dave’s greatest passion in life along with music, were his two children. He loved both Shea and Derek with his whole being. They were, and are, the joy of his life. He was a fantastic, hands on father, helping from the time they came home from the hospital. His love for his children is limitless.
Dave worked with his father, Richard Kennell, in the insurance business. He loved working with his father. He even made commercials, which aired on TV, for his insurance company CIA. He was so proud of this, and again his creative side came to the forefront.
Dave had a huge heart and wanted to help as many people as he could. He met and surpassed this goal many times over. His love for others will live on forever.
What’s your fondest memory of David?
What’s a lesson you learned from David?
Share a story where David's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with David you’ll never forget.
How did David make you smile?