Gary Kennedy, 79, Lawrence, KS, passed away Friday, March 3, 2023 at his home. Private graveside services were held at Mount Calvary Cemetery.
He was born October 2,1943 in Lawrence, KS to Richard and Elsie Kennedy. Elsie died shortly after giving birth. Richard then married Beverly, who lovingly raised him. The Kennedy family owned and operated Kennedy Glass together for over 68 years.
He married Karon Sommer on November 27,1963 in Lawrence, KS, sharing nearly 60 years of marriage, she survives of the home. Other survivors include a son, Michael Kennedy, Lawrence, daughters Angela (Adam) Drybread, Kansas City, KS and Amy (Joe) Barnes, Lawrence, seven grandchildren, Nicole, Kelsey, Ashley, Emma, Christian, Joey and Evan, his brother Marty Kennedy and lifelong friend, Larry Stemmerman.
He was preceded in death by his daughter Nicole Kennedy and his brother John Kennedy.
The family suggests memorials be made to the Lawrence Visiting Nurses Association, sent in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, P.O. Box 1260 Lawrence, KS 66044.
Karon , I just found this trying to google you to see where you were. It’s Laurie Gibson, do you remember me? You guys babysat me when Nicole was a baby. I’d love to connect with you again. . I’m so sorry to see of Gary’s passing here. Brought me to tears. I’m so sorry for your loss. He was a kind wonderful man, he will be greatly missed. I think of you both still!
If you get this my email is…
Lgberends98@gmail.com
970-381-8797
I’m living here now:
940 W College Dr # 503
Cheyenne, Wyoming 82007.
I pray I hear from you!
Much love, laurie
A gentle giant…
All I can say is what a humble soft spoken guy willing to give his all such a blessing to have met him the gentleman hand shake I will always remember when I first met him Karon my heart goes out to you especially the warmth you and Gary made me feel I will never forget may God Bless your family always Love conquers all things
My sincere condolences on the loss of Gary. Karen, you and your family are in my prayers. I remember Gary as being so quiet and kind. I know he loved you dearly . I am thinking about you???
We will miss seeing Gary at saturdays Mass at Corpus christi.
Karon I was so very sorry to hear of the loss of your dear Gary. Gary was such a nice guy. He will be missed by many. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Oh Karon, I’m so sorry about Gary. So many losses in your family. My heart aches for you.
Dear Karon and Family, so sorry for your lost…May he rest in peace…Mike Hadl….
So sorry to hear about Gary. He was a great guy, and Class of 1961 classmate. I’m going to miss seeing his smiling face. Prayers and condolences to his family. Rest In Peace Gary…
Gary was a good guy. So sorry about his loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time
Karon, we are so sorry for your loss. I know how close you’ve always been. Gary was such a good guy. You are in our thoughts and prayers as you have been since you told us that Gary was ill. Please convey our condolences to Angie and Kelsey.
Kennedy Family. My deepest sympathy in the loss of Gary. I was always treated with kindness and proper procedural recommendations when my many business & personal need calls were addressed by Gary. I always felt so fortunate to have you all to reach out to. My heart hurts for all of you in his passing.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all , especially Marty , on the loss of your brother. May all the good memories with him give you peace.
Gary always had a smile when I went to do business. I really thought that the prices were too low for glass and screening jobs and told Gary . He told me those “little” jobs were the company’s bread and butter and Kennedy Glass consistently held that thought. John was taking care of the auto glass division and Gary was upfront at the counter and Marty doing estimates on sites. The three gave up their Saturdays rotating with each other, all the while serving the community. The mother Bev saw the company through hard and good times after the death of the father. Kennedy Glass is possibly the last of family owned businesses in Lawrence and anyone who had the enjoyment of the Kennedy family and their business was one lucky customer. Thank you to the Kennedy family for serving the community.
Gary was a businessman whom Ray and I both trusted when we built our home. He was consistently nice and very helpful. Deepest sympathy to his family.
So sorry for your loss! Gary was a good man and will be missed! Thoughts and prayers to the family! Hugs Karen
Karon, Michael and Angie – we are so saddened to hear about the passing of Gary. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. We have great memories of the times we spent together. Love Robin & David Palmer
Dear Karon and family, I just read the loss of Gary and am totally shocked and saddened. In my world he was always such a kind and beautiful person, he will be so missed by many! Hope all of your memories will be kept as true treasures of him as he will be your own personal angel. My sincere condolences to you!