Gerald Thomas Kennedy

Gerald Thomas Kennedy, M.D. 82, Retired Physician, died Saturday, May 26, 2018. On August 16, 1935, in the small NE Kansas town of Frankfort, Dr. Gerald Thomas Kennedy was born. Gerald ("Gerry") was the first child of James W. and Cecilia C. Kennedy, who were 2nd generation Irish and German Catholic farmers. He and his sister Noreen grew up in small towns and "on the farm" living in a non-insulated house with no running water i.e., humble roots. From such roots, greatness soared. From a two-room schoolhouse with two fellow classmates, Gerry excelled and went St. Benedicts College (now Benedictine College) in Atchison, KS, studying pre-med. Then, one day during a trip from KC to Atchison, he and his date gave a ride to a St. Mary college vocal music major a woman that was beautiful, smart and wow could she sing (Met quality Opera). He graduated Magna Cum Laude from St. Benedicts in 1957. While awaiting med school, he went to Las Vegas. Initially worked as a clumsy busboy during the Milton Berle show, and became a part of the show. As a shill on the craps tables, he rubbed shoulders with Zsa Zsa Gabor, Vegas showgirls and other Hollywood royalty. His "education" continued. Needing a courier to transport "parts" from Rocky Flats to the Nevada (nuclear) Test Site Gerry was their man. But, med school and that guest were still in Kansas. In 1959, he married that "guest," Angela Justine DeWilde, and in 1961 he graduated with honors from KU Med school and began his Internship at St. Francis Hospital, Wichita. Kids and hungry mouths quickly became his top priority. So, he took a different route went to work, before Residency, with Dr. Ben Matassarin in Internal Medicine while also serving for eight years in the KS Army National Guard. He completed his Residency in Internal Medicine in 1967 at the KU School of Medicine; achieved board certification in Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology; and become a Fellow in the American College of Gastroenterology. He later became board eligible in Nuclear Cardiology a trifecta unheard of then and today. He held teaching positions and was a clinical associate professor at the KU School of Medicine Wichita, was chair of the Internal Medicine section, Director of Medical Education, and President of the St. Francis Hosp. medical staff. God being his first and Angela his second, his third focus in life his family - grew with Cecilia (1960), Thomas (1962), Mike (1963), John (1964) and Terry (1967) and 20+ grandchildren filling his and Angelas life. But, his life had its challenges. His home was flooded twice, medical practice fluctuated, and illness touched all aspects of the lives of those he loved. His personal battles included 42-years of living with the progressive ravages of Multiple Sclerosis. A battle he won - living a full 83-year life. Through it all, Gerry focused solely on the ups teaching his sons loyalty, respect for women and how a "man" acts. Those fortunate to know, can attest that Gerry lived the "truth" - leaving the rest in Gods hands. Never complaining about lifes challenges, but, one to always scream "Halleluiah" to the blessings all received his humility inspired those he met. He will be greatly missed. May he rest in peace. Funeral Services Wednesday, May 30, at 11 am at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, Andover. Memorial Funds: "In Memory of Gerald T. Kennedy, M.D. toward the Eugene Dehner Scholarship Fund" Benedictine College, 1020 N. 2nd St., Atchison, KS 66002 and St. Vincent de Paul Church, 123 N. Andover Rd., Andover, KS 67002. Downing & Lahey Mortuary - East Chapel.