John A. Kennedy, beloved husband, brother and father, friend to many, aged 92, went to heaven on July 1, 2019 after a brief illness. John was born on November 15, 1926 in Galveston, Texas to John A. Kennedy, Sr. (1895-1985, Army WWI) and Lettie May (maiden Withoff, 1902-1956), both of Galveston. John would tell anyone who would listen about his idyllic childhood with his parents and sissy in Galveston. His childhood was happy, safe and fun and formed the happy and kind man he became.
John was a student at Ball High School. He was drafted during his senior year and served for the US Army in Berlin, during WWII, achieving the rank of Sargent. John was honorably discharged in October 15, 1946. Thereafter, he returned to TX and was married to Doris, and together they started their family. John enrolled at Rice University where he acquired the skills he applied to his career in shipbuilding and offshore drilling.
John helped “give birth” to the Pasadena American Legion Baseball, serving as chairman of the District 22 Legin ball for years, until his move to St. Louis in 1976.
John is survived by his adoring wife, Mary, his beloved sister, Mary Ann (Neil Innes), his two sons, Richard (Marilyn), Jeffrey (Michele) and bonus daughter, Michelle (Patrick), and their beautiful families, all of whom he was very proud and whom he cherished.
John and Mary were married in 1981 and shared 37 of love, partnership and joy, making their home in Houston. John found his professional calling in the shipbuilding and offshore drilling business and was the big boss man at Todd Shipyard, St. Louis Ship, Reading & Bates Drilling and Exploration /RB Falcon, retiring in 2005.
John, a gifted writer, was a key founding member of the Pasadena American Legion Baseball and played senior softball well into his 80's with a golden glove in the outfield. For 24 years every workday, come rain or shine, John would jog the 3 miles to his home during the lunch hour, climb the 8- foot fence to the house and would be driven back to the office by his bride, Mary. John was a father and bottle-washer to lap-dog Linus, a crackerjack golfer, an expert crab catcher and was gifted with a great singing voice. He was kind to all beasts big and small and he never met a stranger. His joy, enthusiasm, broad smile and beautiful voice will be with us forever.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.9.5