Allan D. Kennedy, 81, of Hixson, Tenn., passed away Wednesday, Oct. 5, 2011, in his home.

Allan was born in Dowagiac. He served in the Air Force and attained the rank of staff sergeant in the Air Police.

He joined James Heddon and Sons in 1953 and continued to work with Heddon after its merger with Daisy BB Guns as vice president of sales and marketing Heddon.

He started his own premium company in 1980 in Fort Smith, Ark. He held a membership in Elks Lodge in Dowagiac for 56 years.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Beatrice Kennedy.

He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Helen P. Kennedy; daughter, Dayna (Barry) Rich, Hixson, Tenn.; son, David (Karen) Kennedy, North Little Rock, Ark.; six grandchildren, Jason Sharp, Amanda Rich and Boyd Rich; Ashley (Scott) Douglas, Elizabeth (fiance Joseph Buchman) and Megan (Drew) Walker.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Wounded Warriors Project, attention Donor Services, 4899 Belfort Road, Suite 300, Jacksonville, FL 32256, or Disabled American Veterans, P.O. Box 14301, Cincinnati, OH 45250.