Kenny Donnelly is the grandson of our friends, Deanna and (Colonel) Lester Schmidt. He's the eldest son of their daughter, Stacey Besselman. Kenny is also the great-nephew of Rebecca Lewis - as some of you know, one of our dearest friends. Becky lives in New Orleans, as do most of her extended family. Ten years ago, Deanna and Lester hosted a party for us at their home in Jackson Barracks, the night before our wedding.
After the storm, when Jackson Barracks was underwater, the National Guard moved out of the city. Deanna and Lester, along with Stacey and her family, had to re-locate to Alexandria, Louisiana. Kenny finished high school there. He joined the Guard, and began college in Lafayette.
Last Thursday Kenny and one of his roommates were attacked at their home in Lafayette. Kenny's roommate is in hospital now. Kenny was killed.
His obituary is posted here.
Tom and I are so, so sorry to hear this awful news. We last saw Deanna, Lester and Stacey in August, when they drove down from Lafayette for our going-away party. We wish we could be in New Orleans this week for the funeral. We're thinking of Kenny, who was always smiling. We're thinking of them all.
How truly awful Paula. My deepest condolences to you at this very sad time.
Graham xx
Posted by: Bookman Beattie | November 02, 2010 at 02:36 AM
I'm so sorry to hear about this...what sad, devastating news.
Posted by: Amy | November 02, 2010 at 10:11 PM