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CHARLESTON, Ill. – Eastern Illinois Athletic Hall of Fame member Ike Kennard passed away over the weekend in Tulsa, Oklahoma.  Kennard was a member of the Panthers first Athletic Hall of Fame Class in 1982.  This past year the Lantz Arena Club Room was officially dedicated in his honor.  Kennard was 93.
 
LISTED BELOW IS IKE KENNARD'S OBITUARY  
Ivan ("Ike") Kennard, 93, died Saturday, April 4, 2015, at his home in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Ike was born on March 29, 1922, in Lawrence County, Illinois, to Ephraim Henry Kennard and Hattie Leora Schrodt. He married Joan King on April 23, 1943. She survives along with their daughter Marlys Fallen and husband Carl, Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Ike attended Eastern Illinois University and was a World War II Navy pilot and flight instructor. After the war, he returned to Charleston where he lived until September 2011 when he and Joan moved to Tulsa. Ike was the owner of "Ike's Little Campus" across the street from Eastern Illinois University. He was a longtime supporter of EIU.

Besides his wife and daughter, Ike is survived by his older brother Joseph Kennard, of Coral Gables, Florida, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, his sisters Phyllis Copeland, Kathryn Hacker, Elaine Mahon and Frances Brooks; his brothers Hayes and Rex Kennard; and his two sons, Stephen and Michael Kennard.

Those wishing to honor Ike's memory may make donations to their favorite charity. No formal services will be held. Ike's memorial website is available at http://www.moorefuneral.com/obituaries/Ivan-Kennard/#!/TributeWall  
 
EIU HALL OF FAME BIO
Ike Kennard was one of Eastern Illinois most active boosters providing financial and personal support for the Panther athletic program since World War II. 

After three years of military service, Ike returned to Charleston in 1946 and operated the Co-op restaurant for one year before purchasing the Little Campus in 1948. He later developed the University Village shopping center. 

During the 1950's and 1960's Kennard employed well over 100 student-athletes. This during a period prior to the existence of scholarships when the athletic department was in need of financial assistance for its students. 

Also during this time Ike was among the initial group of citizens, forerunners to the well-established Panther Club, who actively raised private monies for the support of the program. 

For several years he was a well-known basketball official in the old Illinois and Interstate Intercollegiate Athletic Conference, and often teamed with Tom Katsimpalis and Walt Elmore to referee high school basketball. 

A graduate of Mt. Carmel High School, he was an all-around athlete participating in football, basketball and baseball earning all-conference honors in basketball.