Isaac ‘John’ Kennedy

Isaac 'John' Kennedy, 87, Topeka, Kansas, passed away Friday, August 10, 2018, at the Colmery-O'Neil VA Medical Center in Topeka.

John was born May 17, 1931, in Checotah Oklahoma, the son of James Robert and Sarah Jane (Hamilton) Kennedy. He was the 6th of 9 children. His siblings and parents called him 'Ike'.

He attended school in the Checotah area.His parents were migrant workers so he also spent time in Bakersfield, California while growing up.

John served in the United States Air Force during the Korean War. He was then stationed at Forbes Air Force Base in Topeka, Kansas.

While in Topeka he met the love of his life, Lillian Scheck, when she was a waitress at a downtown diner. He said "she had the most beautiful legs" he had ever seen. They married on April 24, 1952, at Holy Name Catholic Church. They were blessed with four children; John, Steve, Linda and Bob.

John was a retired butcher in Topeka working for Falley's and Dibbles grocery stores. He was a member of the Meat Cutters Union.

He enjoyed playing dominos, shuffle board, keno, poker, shooting pool and going to the casino. He loved watching old western TV shows and movies.

More than anything he loved spending time with his grandchildren, great-children and great-great granddaughter. For many years he played the Easter Bunny for his grandchildren, nieces and nephews. He put coins in the plastic eggs.

He is survived by his wife of 66 years Lillian (Scheck). Their four children; John, Steve (Delores), Linda Kennedy Mauer (Bob Slow) and Bob (Lana) all of Topeka, Kansas. Grandchildren; Sara Rivera, Becky Mauer (James Watson), Adam (D'Amber) Mauer, Jessica Kennedy, Lucas Kennedy, Owen (Anna) Kennedy and Alarie Kennedy all of Topeka, Kansas. Great Children; Elizabeth "Liz' (Josh) Nell, Heather, Stephanie, Lilly and Summer Windsor, Kaylee and Isaac Mauer. Austin and Alyssa Fisher. Cooper Kennedy. Kierra Byler, Louis and Elijah

Rivera. Great-Great Granddaughter Layla Nell.

He is also survived by two brothers; WC 'Dub' Kennedy of Bakersfield, California and Carl (Delores) Kennedy of Seattle, Washington, and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death his parents, and brothers J.R., Wes, D.L., Orville and Harold and sister Zella Tidwell.

Memorial service will be held 2:00 PM on Tuesday, August 14th, 2018 at the All Faiths Chapel at the Colmery-O'Neil VA Medical Center - 2200 Gage Blvd. Building 23, Topeka, Kansas.