Shaun Douglas Kennedy

Shaun Douglas Kennedy, devoted husband, father, "Papa," brother, son-in-law, uncle, brother-in-law, friend, and humble servant of God passed from this world and was "promoted to glory" at the age of 61 on April 12, 2022 from an unexpected heart attack. Though a failing heart took him from this world, his loving heart left behind a beacon of light, hope, and genuine love for all in his community.

He was born on May 23, 1960 to Walter and Marjorie Kennedy, both officers in the Salvation Army in Chicago, IL. After graduating from Richwoods High School in Peoria, IL, Shaun earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Bradley University and an MBA from Illinois State University.

He met the love of his life, Deborah Ruth Widbin, in 1983 in Peoria, IL. Together they loved three children: Bryan Christopher (Alexis), Justin Martin (Rebekah), and Kathryn Elizabeth. He leaves behind five grandchildren Caleb, Daphne, Ethan, Justin Jr. (JJ), and Caroline.

Shaun loved spending time with his family, serving others, laughing, telling stories, and quoting lines from many of his favorite movies, including Tommy Boy and Caddyshack. His pleasant personality was contagious to everyone he met. He could speak convincingly with various accents and loved a good joke. He loved to "doctor up" his famous chili, could fix any appliance in your house, and enjoyed tinkering in the garage well past Debbie calling him in for dinner. When not in the garage, you could find Shaun in his family room chair watching a TV show while simultaneously listening to music and studying a YouTube tutorial. When he picked up the newspaper and you attempted to turn down the volume on any of these devices, he would say, "Hey, now I cant hear it." On the weekends, he enjoyed attending local car shows with his sons and grandchildren or detailing his own car at the car wash. A Sunday afternoon nap was a regular pastime, especially when snuggling with a sleeping grandchild. His grandchildren will miss his playful stories, impromptu songs, and warm hugs.

In everything he did, Shaun was guided by his faith and love for his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. With a humble spirit, he lived out his relationship with God in a manner that consistently strived toward righteousness. Whether it was as a husband, father, friend, employee, or leader, he demonstrated the love and teachings of Jesus in every situation.

Shaun had more than 35 years of experience in the financial services industry. He started at Security Savings and Loan in Peoria, IL, then went to Commercial National Bank (now PNC), transitioned to BankOne in Oklahoma City, moved to Broadway National Bank in San Antonio, and he ended his banking career at Texas Capital Bank. He then pursued a career outside of banking as the president of Juris Medicus, a national leading medical expert sourcing firm.

Beyond his career, Shaun was heavily involved in civic and charitable organizations in San Antonio. He was actively serving as vice chair of the Children's Shelter Foundation and member of the UT Health Development Board. He previously served as 2018 chair-elect/2019 chairman of the board of the Texas Business Hall of Fame, 2018 chair of the San Antonio Chamber of Commerce, and co-chair of the 2017/2018 United Way Development Committee. Shaun previously served as a member of the St. Mary's University Greehey School of Business Advisory Council of Executives, a member of the board of directors of the Texas Bankers Association, and as vice-chair of their Government Relations Committee.

Shaun was passionately involved with and promoted the special needs community of San Antonio on behalf of his daughter, Katie, which included The Arc of San Antonio, Down Syndrome Association of South Texas, and Special Olympics.

Shaun Kennedy is survived by his wife, Debbie; his son Bryan, wife Alexis, and their children Caleb, Daphne, and Ethan of San Antonio; his son Justin, wife Rebekah, and their children Justin Jr. (JJ) and Caroline of Tulsa, OK; and his brother Christopher and wife Debbie of St. Louis, MO, and his sister-in-law Melody (wife of Gavin Kennedy), and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father, Walter Kennedy; his mother, Marjorie Kennedy; his brothers, Gavin Kennedy and Rodger Kennedy; and his granddaughter, Faith Kennedy (Daughter of Bryan and Alexis).

A memorial service is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 20th in the West Auditorium of Oak Hills Church located at 19595 I-10, San Antonio, TX 78232. To view Shaun's service please click here

In lieu of flowers, please consider making an in-name donation to The Arc of San Antonio www.arc-sa.org/donate/ or the Down Syndrome Association of South Texas www.dsastx.salsalabs.org/dsastxsupport/index.html.

"My love for you I hold deep in my heart, though

scattered to the wind, we shall never part." Chris Kennedy