He was born in Garnett, KS, on January 30, 1937. He grew up in Iola, KS, and went to Kansas State University in Manhattan, KS. There, he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering and played trombone in the marching band.
He entered the Army in 1960. He was promoted to Lieutenant before leaving in 1963. He was stationed at Fort Rucker and at Fort Knox during his service.
John and Barbara (née Patty) were married in 1959 in Ardmore, OK. They had three daughters, Patty, Jane, and Elizabeth.
After the Army, John worked for Mobil, surveying, and working in the oilfields of West Texas.
John joined the Oil and Gas Journal magazine in 1966 and eventually went on to become the Editor. After leaving the Journal, he started 21st Century Energy Consultants and Brazos Valley Press. During his time with the Oil and Gas Journal, he wrote two books on pipeline and drilling fundamentals.
During his career, he became a sought-after expert on the oil industry, speaking on TV, radio, and at conferences and events around the world.
John and Barbara traveled the world, as well. John visited all the continents except Antarctica, speaking and reporting on the oil industry. He traveled the Middle East, Europe, Russia, and Asia. Barbara accompanied him to South Africa, Europe, and Russia, among other exotic locales.
At home, John loved all aspects of remodeling buildings and he loved doing as much as possible himself. He enjoyed woodworking, building furniture, and restoring antique clocks.
John loved his family and dedicated himself to making a good life for them. He was warm and funny and intelligent and well-respected. He loved spending time with his wife, his daughters, and their families.
John is survived by his loving wife, Barbara, and daughters Patty Kennedy, Jane Simon (Mark), and Elizabeth Thompson (Mark); his grandchildren Scott and Deanna Simon, Nik (Jenn), Luke, and Levi Thompson; and his great-grandson Aiden Thompson. He is also survived by his nephew Bob Hosler and nieces Jan Nieman and Jill Curry, and their families.
John is preceded in death by his parents, Russell Reid Kennedy and Wilma Lukens Kennedy, and by his sister Barbara Kennedy Hosler and nephew Dan Hosler.
John will be interred at the Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery. A memorial service will be held at the home of Jane and Mark Simon. Details to follow.
