Benton L. Kennedy, 80, of Russell, Kansas, died on Thursday, April 12, 2018, at the Wilson Care and Rehabilitation Center in Wilson, Kansas.

Benton was born on June 12, 1937, in South Gorham, Kansas, the son of Gerald L. and Katherine A. (Nault) Kennedy.  He grew up in the Gorham and Bunker Hill, Kansas, areas and graduated from Bunker Hill High School in the class of 1956.  He met, fell in love and was united in marriage to Janice K. Vanderbur on December 28, 1963, in Russell, Kansas.  From this union Benton and Janice were blessed with three children Kirby, Curt and Laina.  He worked for Big A Auto Parts for 18 years as a manager, a truck driver for Red Tiger Trucking for 6 years, Russell County Highway Department for 14 years and a bus driver for Russell Public Schools for 9 years.  He was a member of St. Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church in Russell and was a 3rd Degree Knights of Columbus since 1965.  He enjoyed fishing, wood working, and watching professional football  as well as watching baseball and basketball.

Surviving family include his wife of 54 years Janice K. Kennedy, Kirby W. Kennedy of El Paso, Texas, Curt A. Kennedy of Russell, Kansas and Laina M. Sack (David) of Phoenix, Arizona; sister Barbara Yost of Russell, Kansas; many grandchildren and many great grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by his parents, 4 brothers Jerry, Larry, Kenny and Harry and 1 sister Carol Jean.

A celebration of Benton's life will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Friday, April 20, 2018, at the Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell, Kansas.  Services will conclude at the mortuary.  Visitation will be from 4 P.M. to 8 P.M., Thursday, April 19, 2018, at the mortuary, with the family present to great guests from 6 P.M. to 7 P.M. Thursday evening.  Memorials may given to the Wilson Care and Rehabilitation Center and sent in care of the mortuary.  Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell, Kansas, is in charge of the funeral service arrangements.