William Kennedy

WILLIAM "BILL" KENNEDY William "Bill" Kennedy of Kansas City, KS, passed away June 19, 2014, two weeks shy of his 65th birthday. Born July 8, 1949, he was a life-long resident and dedicated guardian of the Argentine neighborhood. His generosity, wisdom, sense of humor, and laugh will be missed by all who know him. Bill graduated from Argentine High School in 1967 and went on to earn a bachelor's degree in business from Emporia State University. He then embarked on a career with the United States Postal Service that spanned more than 30 years, beginning as a mail carrier in the early 1970s and retiring as a station manager in 2004, having served at most of the stations in KCK. His tenure with the Post Office provided unending opportunities for his fighting Irish spirit to remain alive and well. In his retirement, he tussled with city inspectors and cable companies to stay sharp. For more years than he worked, he bowled. He led many incarnations of the Werewolves of LA (Lower Argentine) for decades at Tower Lanes, and most recently the Winter Wolves at KC Bowl. The 300 eluded him but he was rightfully proud of his 298. He loved his weekly rolling ritual. He was equally dedicated to his faith, a quiet but constant presence at and contributor to the parishes of Our Lady of Unity in KCK and St. Patrick's in Laurie, MO. In recent years, he combined his love of cooking and of helping others, preparing meals daily for elderly relatives and each month for the OLU Food Kitchen. Some of Bill's loves were gardening, laughing with children, Taco Tuesday, and his eclectic music collection that includes Soul, Country, everything in between, and some stuff that'll make you go "huh?" Bill also bought a home for his family at the Lake of the Ozarks in 1984, providing for 30 years of great memories. He was as beloved a neighbor in Ivy Bend as in KCK. He leaves behind a son Kurt Kennedy of Kansas City, MO, 3 brothers Daniel J. Kennedy of Chicago, IL, Jack Kennedy, Bob Kennedy, both of Kansas City, KS, a sister Trish Strah of Basehor, KS, also his former wife Diana Tate of Olathe, KS, and her kids, Mike Hill of Kansas City, KS, Kinda Eve (Brian) of Jefferson, GA, Angela Blackburn (Barry) of Kansas City, MO, grand kids, Cory Eve, Brady Eve, Kameron Bray, Kayleen Blackburn and Lauren Blackburn. He is preceded in death by parents Daniel and Mildred, brother Mike, nephew Brian Strah, and dear friend Charles M. Jones. Visitation will take place at 10am on Tuesday, July 8, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 2646 S. 34th St., KCK. Memorial service at 11am, followed immediately by burial at Resurrection Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please make check donations to Our Lady of Unity (2910 Strong Ave., KCK 66106) and write "Food Kitchen" on the memo line.

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William Kennedy

July 8, 1949 - June 19, 2014