Jeffrey L. Kennedy

Jeffrey L. Kennedy, 75, retired Attorney, died Tuesday, February 3, 2026.

Jeff attended Pratt High School, Kansas University, and Washburn University School of Law. He married Patti Gorham in 1984. They moved to Wichita where he began his practice of law. He joined the firm of Martin Pringle Oliver Wallace and Bauer in 1986 practicing in the areas of oil and gas and environmental law. He was honored to practice with the firm his whole career. He served as managing partner for the firm for twelve years. He retired at the end of 2022.

Jeff was active in many law related organizations including the Wichita Bar Association, Washburn University School of Law Board of Governors, and TAGLAW, an international association of law firms.

He impacted the Wichita community and Kansas through service on the boards of the Wichita Art Museum, the Wichita Chamber of Commerce, the Greater Wichita Sports Commission, 4-Wichita, an effort supporting the KU School of Medicine, Wichita, Kansas Oil and Gas Association, the Petroleum Club, Arts Partners and the Nature Conservancy.

Jeff was a Jayhawk. He had season tickets to football and basketball and went to as many games as possible. He served on the Wichita Jayhawk Club as well as the University of Kansas Alumni Association, serving a term as president. He was the proud recipient of the Fred Ellsworth Medallion, the Alumni Association’s highest award for volunteer service to the University.

He also loved to travel. He and Patti traveled to many countries and saw extraordinary things such as the Great Migration in Tanzania, the Great Wall in China, and Machu Picchu in Peru. Traveling with friends was one of the great joys in his life.

Preceded in death by his father, Jess R. Kennedy; nephew, Jud Strong.

Survived by his wife, Patricia “Patti” Gorham of Wichita; mother, Marilyn Ruth Kennedy; sisters, Jan (Doug) Meyer, both of Pratt, KS, Jocelyn Kennedy of Lenexa, KS; nieces, Jenny (Trent) McAtee of Pratt, KS, Hilary (Jerry) Samuels of Queen Creek, AZ; nephew, Cory Drennon of Raytown, MO; great-nephew, Grant McAtee; great-niece, Madi McAtee, both of Pratt.

Memorials have been established with: Wichita Art Museum, 1400 W. Museum Blvd, Wichita, KS 67203; Kansas Food Bank, 1919 E. Douglas Ave., Wichita, KS 67214; 4-Wichita Advancement Board at KU School of Medicine-Wichita – KU Endowment, 1010 N. Kansas, Wichita, KS 67214 (please include “Jeff Kennedy” memorial in the memo line).

Celebration of Life will be from 5:00 – 7:00 pm, Thursday, February 26, 2026, at the Wichita Art Museum.

Arrangements in care of Downing & Lahey Mortuary – East Chapel.