Richard K. Kennedy

1938-2015

Richard “Dick” K. Kennedy went to be with his Lord on Friday, May 22, 2015. Dick was born on June 6, 1938 to Lloyd and Neva Kennedy in Morton, Texas.

Dick grew up in Morton with many family and friends nearby and playing basketball in high school. He attended West Texas State University earning bachelor’s and master’s degrees in economics. He later went on to earn an EdD in higher education from Nova University. Dick moved to Odessa, Texas, in 1966 with his former wife Helen Kennedy and took up teaching economics. He was the father of two daughters, Cristine and Karen. He was a loving father and guiding force in their lives. Dick taught economics for over 39 years at Odessa College serving as the chair of the Social Sciences Department for many years. He was noted as being “the best Damned Economics Teacher in Captivity.”

He is preceded in death by his parents: Lloyd and Neva Kennedy; his sister Neva Sharp; and his daughter Cristine Kennedy Rodriguez of Odessa.

He is survived by his daughter: Karen Kennedy Jarocki and spouse John Jarocki of Albuquerque; his granddaughters Catherine “Katy” Rodriguez of Odessa; Mica and Carly Jarocki of Albuquerque; and great-grandchildren Michael and Emma Esparza of Odessa.

A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, May 26, 2015, at 10:00 AM at Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Odessa, Texas.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Odessa College Foundation.

Services entrusted to Frank W Wilson Funeral Directors