William Dane Kennedy (1982–2025) Bucyrus, Ohio Obituary, Death: It is with immense sadness and heavy hearts that we share the passing of William Dane Kennedy on April 23, 2025. Known to many simply as Dane, he was a cherished son, grandson, uncle, nephew, cousin, coach, and friend. His loss leaves an irreplaceable void in the hearts of those who knew and loved him, and in the community he served with unwavering dedication.
Born in Marion on June 18, 1982, Dane’s love for sports began at an early age. From his first games of basketball at the YMCA to playing for Holy Trinity Catholic School and Bucyrus High School, Dane found his true calling not as a player, but as a coach. Even while still in high school, he took on the role of coaching the 7th and 8th grade boys at Holy Trinity, beginning a lifelong journey that spanned nearly three decades. His coaching career touched countless lives, and for many years, he was a cornerstone of the coaching staff at Colonel Crawford Schools.
Dane’s work ethic extended beyond the basketball court. What began as a simple lawn mowing job during high school grew into a successful business. After graduating from Bucyrus High School in 2000, he attended The Ohio State University at Marion, though he chose to focus on expanding his entrepreneurial endeavors rather than finishing his degree. His passion and drive led to the founding of Kennedy Landscaping, and in 2018, he acquired Early Lawn Care, further growing his vision of quality service and dedication to his customers.
Service to his community was just as important to Dane as his business or coaching. He followed in the footsteps of his beloved grandfather, John Kennedy, by joining the Bucyrus Kiwanis Club—jokingly referred to as being “VolunTOLD” to do so. Dane went on to serve three terms as Club President and played a vital role in fundraising and the development of the Splash Pad at Aumiller Park. He also chaired the Annual Kiwanis Chicken BBQ, which poignantly falls on his birthday this year.
Dane’s involvement didn’t stop there. He was a Trustee of the John Q. Shunk Association, President of the Crawford County Sports Hall of Fame, and co-host of the beloved Phoneboard call-in show on WQEL. A proud fan of Ohio State athletics, the Cleveland Browns, Guardians, and Cavaliers, Dane’s enthusiasm for sports was evident in everything he did.
Dane is survived by his loving parents, Bill and Sheila Kennedy; his brother Orry, sister-in-law Ainslee, and nephew Brayden; grandparents Joyce Kennedy and Ron and Connie Fahl; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends who meant the world to him. He was preceded in death by his grandfather John Kennedy, several aunts and uncles, and great-grandparents who helped shape his life.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, April 29 from 4–7 p.m. at Wise Funeral Service in Bucyrus. A private burial will follow at Oakwood Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to The Community Foundation for Crawford County. Proceeds will endow a scholarship to honor Dane’s legacy and passion for coaching, service, and hard work.
Dane Kennedy lived a life full of purpose, laughter, and love. His legacy will live on in the countless lives he touched, on the courts he coached, and in the community he helped build.