Carlin L. "Buster" Kennedy

Carlin Lee “Buster” Kennedy, 89, passed away at his lake home in San Angelo, Texas on April 26, 2025. In his last moments, he was dreaming about building projects and sharing his fishing secrets with the grandkids. Buster and his twin sister Carolyn Ree were born April 19, 1936 in Tankersly, Texas. The family later relocated to Eden, Texas, where he met Priscilla, whom he wed on June 13, 1955. They ultimately made San Angelo their home, where he grew his construction business and raised their family.

Buster bailed on school in the 10th grade when his dad hurt his back, so he had to pitch in to help out the big family. He’s always had a knack for building stuff since he was a little kid. Teaming up with his buddy Ronnie, they whipped up bikes, fishing boats, and all sorts of cool projects using whatever they could find. They even mucked out cattle trailers for a quarter a day and grabbed any odd jobs they could just to make a nickel. Growing up with not much, Buster became the go-to guy for fixing or building just about anything!

Buster was a bit of a legend when it came to crafting custom builds, and you could spot his work all over San Angelo and even throughout Texas. He learned the ropes from Vick Eckert, who not only taught him the ins and outs of construction and running a business but also inspired his Christian beliefs. After more than 40 years in the game, Buster hung up his tool belt after putting together a stunning log mansion in Rising Star. Then, he decided to switch gears and became a licensed Texas Home Inspector. Buster was the kind of guy who aimed for perfection and really believed in putting in the effort.

When he wasn't busy building things or tinkering around in the barn, Buster liked to spend his time raising cool animals like potbellied pigs, rheas, emus, ostrich, llamas, and more. He was actually one of the first folks to bring Boer goat embryos over from South Africa via New Zealand to the U.S.

Buster was pretty stoked about becoming a grandfather. He decided to go with Grumps as his nickname because folks always said he had a bit of a grumpy vibe. But honestly, whether he was grumpy or not, we’ve got a ton of awesome memories from camping and fishing trips with family and friends. He really loved spending time with us and passed on that love for camping and the great outdoors to his grandkids, too.

Not everyone’s had the chance to see Buster’s soft side when it comes to his family and friends. He’d always make it a point to drop by or check in with a call when someone was ill or during the holidays. But on the flip side, he also loved being mischievous, pulling shenanigans with friends and grandkids.

We’ll definitely feel the loss of him, but he leaves behind his son, Alvin Royce Kennedy & wife Nona, daughters Monica Ree Kennedy Masters, Letitia Ann Kennedy McKnight & husband Randy. Three grandchildren, Keely Rene McKnight Matheny & husband Matthew, Carlin Gage McKnight & wife Shalinda, and Royce Lee Kennedy & wife Vanessa. His four great-grandchildren Berklee Rene, Korby Tyce, and Cohen Lane Matheny, and Atlas June Kennedy.

Buster was preceded in death by his wife of 55 years, Priscilla Ann Mullins Kennedy, son Sonny Carl Kennedy, parents William Lee & Ava Bell Branham Kennedy; brother Robert Wayne Kennedy, twin sister Carolyn Ree Kennedy Gill White, sisters Wanda Juanell Kennedy Carrell, Pasty Bell Kennedy Smith, and Donna Kay Kennedy Ewell. Many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A bunch of Buster’s family and best friends got to those heavenly gates before him. You can just picture them hanging out and catching up! Just a heads up, he’s resting at Lawnhaven Cemetery, right on top of Priscilla, who definitely wasn’t keen on that arrangement. But hey, we like to think they’re both having a blast together up there rejoicing with Christ!

A visitation will be held at Harper Funeral Home from 5:00 to 7:00 PM, Wednesday, April 30, 2025. A funeral service will be held at Harper Funeral Home at 1:00 PM, Thursday, May 1, 2025 with burial to follow at Lawnhaven Memorial Gardens.