Warren Karr Kennedy
1939 - 2021
Warren Karr Kennedy passed peacefully
from life on this earth to his heavenly home with his Lord and Savior
Jesus Christ on Friday, February 12, 2021. Warren was born in Newton,
Kansas on June 22, 1939, to Carl and Maurine Kennedy. He is preceded
in death by his parents, and two half-brothers, Kermit and Lawrence.
Warren grew up in Newton, Kansas and,
even as a boy, had the unique gift of observation and appreciation of
nature and would often point out something he saw that others might
not notice at all. Warren enjoyed camping and was active as a Boy
Scout and took great pride in attaining the highest rank of Eagle
Scout in 1954. His love of the outdoors was definitely fostered in
his scouting days.
Warren graduated from Newton High
School in 1957, from Bethel College in 1962 with a Bachelor of Arts
degree, and from Kansas State University in 1963 with a Bachelor of
Science in Civil Engineering. Warren served in the United States Army
(Reserves) from 1963 to 1969. Warren married Judy Thompson on June
14, 1964 in Arkansas City, Kansas. He was employed by the Gas Service
Company as an engineer and later moved into management in gas
distribution, ultimately serving as the superintendent for the
Wichita area. He worked for the same company for 35 years (Gas
service company, KPL Gas Service, Western Resources, OneOK Inc.,
OneGas) until his retirement in 1998.
Warren was a devoted husband, father,
grandfather, and great grandfather. Even though his work was
demanding, he always made sure that his family came first. Warren,
with Judy, attended hundreds of ball games, concerts and activities
of his children and grandchildren, faithfully showing by his presence
that he loved and cared for them.
Warren loved his Lord and was very
active in his church life, serving as elder, on missions and finance
committees and through teaching both adult and young adult Sunday
School classes. Warren, with Judy, served as a faithful member of
Riverlawn Christian Church for many years.
Warren's heart was to quietly and
sacrificially serve the needs of others. When his mother was in a
care home, he drove on his lunch hours to visit her almost daily.
Once he retired, he delivered friendship meals, drove others to
healthcare appointments and took the time to provide godly counsel to
many. In addition to his time, Warren gave generously to many
individuals and organizations. He volunteered for several
organizations like the Lion's Club International and ministries such
as Wichita's Union Rescue Mission, which was a real love of his. He
was intentional about getting to know the men personally and truly
valued their friendship. He had a Christlike compassion and love for
those who were struggling through addictions and hardships and was a
source of encouragement and support for many years.
Throughout his adult life, hunting,
hiking, fishing and K-State football were all sources of enjoyment
for him. Many family vacations were spent in Colorado and no one
loved the mountains more than Warren. On numerous occasions, he would
say, "Just scatter my ashes over the mountains." Warren
enjoyed all kinds of music, played the trumpet in his high school
band, and was always excited to see his grandchildren perform in
their many musical concerts. Warren had artistic ability which he
expressed in working with stained glass and wood carving of different
types.
Warren is survived by his wife, Judy,
his son Todd (Kristi) Kennedy of Valley Center, his daughter Staci
(David) Landis of Newton and his grandchildren Joshua and Maddie
Landis of Kansas City, Abbi and Brennyn Pankratz of Wichita, Lizzi
Landis, Jake Landis and Christian Kennedy. Warren had one great
grandchild, Emmersyn Rae Pankratz.
A visitation will be held Thursday,
February 18, 5-7 PM in the Fireside Room and a Celebration of Life
Service will be held Friday, February 19 at 2:00 p.m.. Both will be
held at Riverlawn Christian Church, 4243 N. Meridian, Wichita, KS
67204.
Memorials may be made in Warren's name
to the Union Rescue Mission or Riverlawn Christian Church.
There will be a livestream of the
service at Riverlawn.org/funeral.
