William "Bill" L. Kennedy

William “Bill” Loran Kennedy, 52, a longtime resident of rural Belvue, Kansas, passed away following a long illness and surrounded by his family on January 12, 2012 at Olathe Medical Center. Bill was born March 7, 1959 in Ft. Hood, Texas. He attended grade school and also high school in Frankfort, Kansas. He married Evelyn Jo Gehring on October 17, 1981, and together made Belvue their home for the last 30 years. Bill’s children and his grandson were his pride and joy. He enjoyed working on cars and had rebuilt his sisters Mustang for her. He became an expert at making beef and venison jerky, and had much pleasure in sharing it with others. Bill would often offer uplifting advice and encouragement. He will be remembered for his open heart and his devotion to his family. He has touched the lives of many - always a friend, never a stranger. His survivors include his wife Evelyn, of their home; two sons, Daniel Kennedy, of Overland Park, KS, Matthew “Matt” Kennedy (Julie), Olathe, KS; his sister, Mary Hudson (Todd) and their family of Wamego, KS; his mother, Florence Kennedy of Greenleaf, KS; a half-brother, Terry Kennedy, of Williams, AZ; and one grandson, Cooper William Kennedy, son of Matt and Julie. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, January 18, 2012 at First Baptist Church of Wamego. Cremation will follow services. Bill will lie in-state beginning at 1:00 p.m. Tuesday at the Stewart Funeral Home of Wamego, with family greeting friends during a visitation from 7:00 until 8:30 p.m. In Lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the “Cooper William Kennedy Education Fund”, and may be left in care of the Stewart Funeral Home of Wamego, PO Box 48, 66547.