Joseph Patrick Kenny

Joseph Patrick Kenny was born to Patrick Joseph Kenny and Helen Lee (Flynn) Kenny on February 19, 1939 in Kansas City, Missouri. He grew up in the Blessed Sacrament Parish and attended Rockhurst High School. Joe enjoyed his youth with his many sibling and cousins. He worked at many jobs (from the age of 10 years on up, as he liked to remind us all) including working for the neighborhood pharmacy doing deliveries. He also worked at the soda fountain there.

Joe joined the Marines when he was 18 years old. Upon completion of his time in the military he began working at the United States Treasury Department. It was while working in Washington DC that he met and fell in love with Glenda E. Viar. They later married and relocated to Chicago then Kansas City. He continued to work as an Administrative Director for the Federal Aviation Administration for 40 plus years until his retirement.

After retirement Dad, who did not know how to “not work” began a part-time job with Mt. Moriah & Freeman Funeral Home as a driver. He loved this job as it kept him moving and around people. Dad seem to know someone wherever he went and loved to chat and exchange jokes.

Nothing was more important to Dad than his family. He and Glenda had 5 children here in Kansas City and subsequently 11 grandchildren. Dad was never happier than when there was a baby in the house. He enjoyed all the years that he and mom kept the grandkids on a regular basis. Some of the many memories of Dad include: the years at the beach on family vacation – Dad, clad head to foot to ward away the sun, would stand in the water for hours holding the air rafts for the grandkids so they could ride the big waves; Dad and Mom decked out in the square-dancing outfits; dad teaching us all to play ping-pong, and how to “pray” when repairing any item. He was a great teller of jokes (not that the jokes were great but...) and was always ready to help anyone in need.

Over the many years of raising us kids, Dad frequently would work long hours or a second job to pay for our education and extras and never once did we hear him complain. Yet he was always there at every dance recital, debate tournament, baseball game, or Pinewood Derby. He coached football, basketball and baseball and, when he was not coaching, he was at the games. He constantly put his family first. Through his example he instilled in us children a great work ethic, sense of integrity, faith in God, and love of learning.

In 2009, after more than 55 years of marriage, Joe suffered the loss his loving wife, Glenda, who died from Leukemia. Dad’s heart was broken but his grandchildren were there to make him smile. (esp. baby Peter). He stayed positive and continued to focus his life around his family. We were blessed to have such dedicated and wonderful father. Upbeat, happy and easy-going he never had a cross word for anyone.

He recently became a great-grandfather and was elated these last 9 months to have baby Everett near him. He would ask if “the baby” was coming over and when the answer was “yes” he would reply, “Well, then this is a great day!”. After Dad’s health declined, while in hospice, and with very little strength, one of Dad’s last communications was a weak “raspberry” that he blew to baby Ev. We will miss watching the Three Stooges with you, miss the Joe Kenny news updates (as interpreted by Joe), and the constant photo taking!!

Joe was preceded in death by his parents, his loving wife, and brother, Robert Kenny.

Dad is survived by his 5 children: Patrick and Diana Kenny and children, Sean and Amanda Kenny/Sterling, Laura Lamphear and children (Also Terry Lamphear), Becky and Todd Messerli and children, Tim and Rebecca Kenny. He also leaves behind his siblings and close relatives: Bill & Maryanne Kenny and family, Loretto & George Stevens and family, Jim& Gayle Kenny and family, Dan & Linda Kenny and family, Larry & Monica Kenny, Kathy Barbagallo and family, Angela and Joe Finegan and family and Janet Kenny and family.

Goodbye Dad. Thanks for being such a wonderful father and role model.

We love you and will miss you.

Service for Dad will be held at a date to be announced, most likely next spring. Our plan is an outdoor service at Mount Moriah Cemetery where Dad and Mom have a memorial bench. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to your local food bank.