Eugene P. Owen Rev. Kenny

Kenny, Father Eugene P. “Owen,” retired priest of the Diocese of Dodge City, died October 12, 2013 in Wichita. He was 83 years old. Vigil will be at 6:30 P.M., Thursday, October 17, 2013; Funeral Mass will be at 11:00 A.M., Friday, October 18, 2013, both at St. Elizabeth Chapel at Catholic Care Center. Eugene Kenny was born March 17, 1929, in Farebane Co., Offaly, Ireland, the son of Thomas and Mary Kate (Gilligan) Kenny. He took his seminary studies at St. Peters College in Wexford, Ireland; and was ordained to the priesthood June 7, 1953, by the Most Rev. James Staunton, bishop of Ferns. Father Kenny was one of many Irish priests recruited in seminary for service in Kansas. His first assignment in the Diocese of Dodge City was assistant pastor at St. Rose of Lima Parish of Great Bend (1953-1958). He served as pastor at St. John the Apostle, St. John (1958-1964); St. Joan of Arc, Elkhart (1964-1969); St. Rose, Great Bend (1969-1972); St. Marys McCracken (1972-1975); St. Bernards Belpre (1976-1989); and St. Michael La Crosse, with St. Joseph, Liebenthal (1989-98) During his pastorate at Belpre, he also served as chaplain at Larned State Hospital. In 1998, Father Kenny retired to the Priests Retirement Center in Wichita. A memorial has been established with The Lords Diner, 520 N. Broadway, Wichita, KS 67214. Downing Lahey East Mortuary.