Harry L. Kennedy, 77, of Russell, Kansas, died on Friday, September 02, 2016, at the Robert J. Dole Medical Center in Wichita, Kansas.

Harry entered life on Earth November 27, 1938, in Russell County, Kansas, the son of Gerald and Katherine (Nault) Kennedy.  Harry was well loved, and lived a well-lived life.  He was a gruff man, with a gentle heart,  and showed little outward affection, but loved his family unconditionally.
Harry's work ethic was without question.  He was in the army, two years active, two years inactive, and two years ready reserve. He worked for Clayton Befort hauling grain. He also worked as a welder for Lawrence Nesler, and as a rough neck for Morton Spector. He then went to work for Red Tiger Drilling Company driving the wench truck & rig for almost 30 years.  He was proud of his truck driving skills, and later driving children in the school bus. His goal was to beat this cancer and climb back in his bus to get the children to school.  We laughed about his ability to recall dates when telling us stories; he can remember old actors and actresses, which movies and what year they were performed. He loved cars, old and new, also music and movies. He loved his old records and 8 tracks, which consumed an entire room in his home. His favorite things to do were fishing and camping, and was a camp host in Colorado for 5 years.   Harry was a strong man and he refused to slow down as he got older.  Harry rarely complained in his pain.  He married Margaret Mitchell on January 29th, 1961 in a double ring wedding ceremony with her brother Fred and wife Virginia.  To this union, three children were born. Alisa (Michael)Goff, Thomas (Melissa), and Steven (Lori). He had 8 grandchildren, and 9 great-grandchildren and always had his dogs by his side.

Margaret preceded him in death August 2nd , 1989. He then married Martha Smith September 14, 2002,  and gained a step-daughter, Linda Miller (John). He had 5 step-grandsons and two step-granddaughters, as well as 6 step-great granddaughters, and 3 step-great grandsons.

He is survived by his wife, Martha, his sister Barbara Yost, and a brother Benny Kennedy, as well as many nieces and nephews. He loved growing up with his brothers and sisters and continues his close relationship with his sister Bobbie.

He was proceeded in death by his parents, his brothers Jerry, Larry, and Kenny as well as his sister Carol Jean.

A memorial service to celebrate Harry's life will be held at 10:30 A.M. on Thursday, September 08, 2016, at the Otterbein United Methodist Church in Russell, Kansas, with Pastor Michael Eurit officiating.  Cremation has preceded the services and his ashes will be inurned at the Russell City Cemetery immediately following the church service.  Military Rites will be performed by the Russell V.F.W. Post #6240.  Memorials may be given to the Otterbein United Methodist Church Building Fund or High Plains Humane Society in Hays and sent in care of the mortuary.  Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell, Kansas, is in charge of the funeral service arrangements.