May 22, 1926 – August 15, 2022

Donald Kennedy was born in Shackleford, Mo., to John and Gertrude (Thompson) Kennedy. He lived on the family farm near Shackleford until 1944 when he enlisted in the Army and served in Germany. He witnessed the auto accident that let to the death of General Patton. As communications officer, he transmitted the news to Army headquarters.

Following his Army career, Donald was ordained in the Diocese in Kansas City in 1955. In 1971, he received dispensation to marry Naomi Wedemeyer. Together they operated a business from 1971 to 2012. They moved to Santa Marta Retirement Community in Olathe, Kan., where Don lived until his death. He is survived by his wife and many nieces and nephews. His parents and six brothers and sisters preceded him in death.

A memorial Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 23, at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Lenexa, Kan. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the KU Medical Center Parkinson’s Research Foundation.

Make checks payable to: KU Endowment

Memo line: Parkinson’s disease

Mail to:

Rajesh Pahwa, MD

University of Kansas Medical Center

Department of Neurology

3599 Rainbow Blvd.

Mail Stop 3042

Kansas City, KS 66160