Jon Kennedy

Jon William Kennedy, 74, of Grove, OK, passed away August 11, 2015 at his home.

He was born September 3, 1940 in Oberlin, KS to Fred and Ellen (Fiala) Kennedy. Jon graduated from Bartley High School in 1958. He attended Spartan School of Aeronautics in Tulsa, OK to receive his commercial, private and instructor ratings.

Jon married Gloria Kerst on August 1, 1959 in Raton, New Mexico. To this union three children were born: Douglas, Debbie and Shannon.

He was a member of St. Elizabeth Catholic Church in Grove, OK where he was an active member of the church choir.

Jon was a pilot for SMB Stagelines in Iowa, Oklahoma and Texas for 17 years. SMB corporate offices were moved to Grapevine, Texas. Then he worked for International Turbine Service until his retirement in 2002. In his free time he enjoyed riding motorcycles and boating with his family at their condo at Lake Okoboji.

During his retirement he traveled at great lengths to spend time with family and friends and fulfilled his dream of building a home and living on Grand Lake. His final trip to Sturgis was important for him to celebrate its 75th Anniversary as well as his 75th birthday. He will be forever remembered as our Trail Boss.

Surviving him are his wife, Gloria Kennedy of Grove, OK; two daughters, Debbie and husband Anthony McKee of Perry, IA and Shannon and husband Sam Gifford of Lincoln, NE; brothers, Pat and wife Joyce Kennedy of The Villages, FL and Fred and wife Hollie Kennedy of Indianola, NE; sisters, Katherine and husband Lyle Shirley of Gering, NE and Sally and husband Larry Sitzman of Lincoln, NE. Also surviving are 6 grandchildren, Brandon and Jon McKee of Des Moines, Iowa; Luke, Elizabeth, Isaac and Nathaniel Gifford of Lincoln, NE, 1 great grandchild and numerous nieces and nephews.

Jon was preceded in death by his parents and son, Douglas Kennedy.

Visitation will be held Friday August 14, 2015 from 4-8 p.m. at Carpenter Breland Funeral Home.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 a.m. on Saturday August 15, 2015 at St. Catherine's Catholic Church in Indianola, NE with Father Greg Pawloski officiating. Burial will follow at the Cedar Bluff Cemetery (near Oberlin) .

Memorials may be given to St. Elizabeth Catholic Church, 1653 113th St NW, Grove, OK 74344 and St. Catherine's Catholic Church, 815 D St, Indianola, NE 69034.