Dean Wade Kennard Jr., age 71, of Nelsonville, Ohio, passed away September 2, 2026, at Fairfield Medical Center, Lancaster, Ohio.

Dean was born on September 27, 1954, in Nelsonville, Ohio to Dean Wade Kennard and Mary Kennard. He was a 1972 graduate of Nelsonville-York High School; worked 30 years at Ohio University; enjoyed the outdoors; and was a volunteer firefighter for Waterloo Township for 39 years.                        

Surviving are son, Dean (Amanda) Kennard III; brother, David (Paula) Kennard; grandchildren, Hawk Kennard, and Hadlie Kennard; friends, Tim Bartlett, Dave (Patsy) Clark, and numerous others; niece, Emily Campbell; and nephews, Adam Kennard, Evan Kennard, and Tim Pope.

Dean was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Betty (Jim) Pope.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M., Wednesday, September 9, 2026, at the Warren-Brown Funeral Home, Nelsonville, Ohio. Burial will be in Connett Cemetery, Nelsonville, Ohio.

Calling hours will be observed 2-4 & 6-8 P.M. on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, at the funeral home.