Jere was a one of kind soul. One that you meet and never forget. He brought much joy to me and my kids. I am thankful that I met him and was able to be a part of his care.
Jere Kennedy
February 24, 1935 ~ January 7, 2026
Jere Kennedy was born on February 24, 1935 in Ft Worth Texas. He was the second son of James and Lena Kennedy. His father was in the construction business, and his job took the family around the state of Texas, to New Mexico and they eventually settled in El Paso, Texas. Jere attended Austin High School. At the age of 16, he met the love of his life, Patricia Doran. They were married in 1955. They had 4 children: Bill, Russ, Joe and Maggie. Jere went to work for the Mountain Bell Phone company. He started out climbing phone poles and installing lines but eventually worked his way into the Treasury department. His job required a move to Denver, Colorado in 1968, and Colorado remained his home for most of his life. He became the Treasurer of Mountain Bell until his retirement in 1990. He enjoyed retirement for about 6 months before Pat found him another job. He worked at Fletcher Miller School where he designed adaptive devices for children with special needs. He and Pat bought and refurbished a cabin in Grand Lake, Colorado, and that became the happy place for them, their children and grandchildren for many years. He also purchased land in Lakewood and developed a neighborhood. Jere and Pat enjoyed travels around Colorado, the United States and the world. They especially loved traveling with their grandkids on “mystery trips” around the US. Jere loved playing baseball in his younger years but hung up his cleats at age 45. He took up golf in his 50s and this became a passion for him. He was fortunate to play well into his 80s. Jere absolutely loved sports and enjoyed watching his Broncos and Nuggets. Jere and Pat moved to Wichita in 2017 and he became a fan of the KC Chiefs and KU and especially loved cheering for KU Soccer.
Jere and Pat enjoyed 67 years of marriage and theirs was a beautiful love story. Jere was preceded in death by his wife, Patricia; his son, Joe; his brothers, Jim and Mike. He is survived by his sister, Carol; sons, Bill (Jeanine), Russ (Lori); and daughter, Maggie (Phil); grandsons, Drew (Courtney), Tyler (Monica), Ethan, Sam (Michaela), Max (Taylor); and granddaughter, Grace; as well as 2 great-granddaughters, Colibri and Thea.
Jere will be remembered for his brilliant mind, kind nature, and great sense of humor. He will be greatly missed by all who loved him.
Rosary will be at 6:00 pm, Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at Downing & Lahey East Mortuary. Visitation will follow until 8:00 pm.
Funeral Mass and Burial will take place at a later date at St. Jude Catholic Church, Lakewood, CO.
Services
Rosary: Wednesday, January 14, 2026 6:00 pm
Downing & Lahey East Mortuary
6555 E. Central
Wichita, KS 67206
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America/Chicago
2026-01-14 18:00:00
2026-01-14 18:00:00
JereKennedyRosary
Rosary
6555 E. Central,Wichita, KS 67206
Visitation: Wednesday, January 14, 2026 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm
Downing & Lahey East Mortuary
6555 E. Central
Wichita, KS 67206
Add to My Calendar
America/Chicago
2026-01-14 18:30:00
2026-01-14 08:00:00
JereKennedyVisitation
Visitation
6555 E. Central,Wichita, KS 67206
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