Obituary of Paul Dee Kennedy

Paul Dee Kennedy age 83, of Coffeyville, KS passed peacefully in his sleep in Tulsa, OK on March 13, 2016 surrounded by family. He was battling mesothelioma and sadly a broken heart too after the recent loss of his wife Karen. Paul was born in Chanute, KS to Samuel Dennis and Bertha May Kennedy (Stout). He grew up in Chanute where he graduated High School in 1951. He worked as a Lineman at AT&SF Railway. In Nov 1951 he married Betty E. Alcorn and together they had three beautiful children Sherrie, Tom and Deena. Later they divorced.?On Feb 26, 1953 he served active duty in the United States Army at Fort Carson, CO as an engineer & heavy equipment inspector. He received an honorable discharge on Feb 25, 1955. He worked in multiple locations as an Engineer for the Santa Fe Railroad but chose to later retire in Coffeyville, KS. On Nov 3, 1969 Paul married the love of his life Karen Sue Hatfield. Together they shared in raising their four children- Sherrie, Tom, Deena, and Steven Lee. After retirement, he found a rewarding hobby as a Kirby Sweeper Distributor. He owned Kennedy Sweeper Sales & Service with his wife Karen who operated KISS Photo at 902 W. 8th St. Paul could fix just about anything and was an expert in the art of buying & selling. He used that success to anchor to a lifestyle that focused on his most cherished people and interests. Paul was very passionate about being a Master Mason. He was a member of the Keystone Masonic Lodge 102 and Scottish Rite Freemasonry in the Valley of Fort Scott Orient of Kansas. Paul also served as a member of Mirza Shriners of Pittsburg since 1980, and The American Legion Post 20. Paul had a deep love for boats and being on the water. He enjoyed the sports of it too like fishing and scuba diving. He taught all of his kids and most grandkids how to swim. For many years his big Carver boat "Aleitha" on Grand Lake was a source of joy, connection and self-discovery for him and those close to him. Later in life he and Karen enjoyed traveling in their RV. He regularly spent time with his Grandkids, gun shows, gardening and riding motorcycles. He is survived by: 4 Children, 12 Grandchildren and 6 Great-Grandchildren. Sherrie Hyer (daughter) husband John of The Villages, FL. Grandchildren-Matt Buetow and wife Caroline, Angie Buetow. Tom Kennedy (son) of Sarasota, FL. Grandchildren–Andrew Paul Case. Deena Martin (daughter) husband Roscoe of Tulsa, OK. Grandchildren–Victoria Santagata, Jamie Hultz and husband Marvin Jones, Jennifer Taylor-Despotovic and husband Nenad, James C. Taylor III Great-Grandchildren- Cannen Farha, Kaci Hultz, Karla Hultz, Marko Despotovic, Chole Taylor, Lillian Taylor. Steven Lee Kennedy (son) wife Donna of Albuquerque, NM. Grandchildren- Jed Kennedy, Chase Kennedy, Colin Kennedy, Daniel Garcia, Jeffrey Garcia. Preceded in death by his parents, wife-Karen, brothers-Dennis Max and Lonnie Ray Kennedy, grandchildren- Amanda and Marisa Buetow. Graveside Memorial Service will be held on Saturday April 23, 2016 at 2pm at Robbins Cemetery 3763 County Rd 1675 Coffeyville, KS (off hwy 166) Pastor Daniel Knight of Bible Baptist Church will officiate the service. Reception following services. The family would like to thank the Masonic Lodge and Veterans for their support. Contributions can be made to The Shriners Children's Hospital or your favorite charity in lieu of flowers. David W Barnes Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Online directions & condolences may be left at www.dwbfh.com.