Kerby Jay Kennedy

Kerby Jay Kennedy, 73, of Sterling, Kansas, passed away December 1, 2024, at Hospice House of Hutchinson, Kansas. He was born June 21, 1951, in Greensburg, Pennsylvania, the son of Robert and Charlene (Randle) Kennedy. Kerby was a lifelong Rice County resident. He graduated from Sterling High School, with the class of 1969, and attended Sterling College for two years. Kerby served in the United States Army from 1971 until 1974. He worked at the American Salt Plant in Lyons, retiring after forty-three years. Kerby dedicated the last twenty four years of his life to Prison Ministry. Kerby was a steadfast believer, finding solace in the teachings of Christ and sharing His love with unwavering devotion. He was known for his kindness, generosity, humor, and strong faith. While we grieve his physical absence, we are comforted knowing he is now embraced by God’s grace in heaven. He was a member of Life Outreach, Hutchinson, Kairos Prison Ministry of Kansas, Freedom Challenge, and the Kansas Mine Rescue Association. Kerby was loved by all, especially his children and grandchildren. They will miss him being present to support them at all the events he loved to attend and the calls after to ask them all about the big event. On September 29, 1978, Kerby married Tena Nelson. They later divorced. Kerby is survived by his son, Dustin Kennedy and wife Heather of Louisville, KY; three daughters, Kelsey Harrison and husband Leon of New Braunfels, TX, Melanie Kennedy of South Hutchinson, KS, and Alicia Kennedy of Salina, KS; brother, Stephen Temple of Lyons, KS; four sisters, Kala Wright of Spiro, OK, Kara Johnson of Lyons, KS, Karen Buccella of Greenwood, AR, and Emily Gillespie of Sterling, KS; nine grandchildren, Xayvion, RaShawn, Tramel, Melena, Karson, Khloe, Jack, Kaylee, and RJ. Kerby is preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Kaye Kennedy and JR and Charlene Wedge; and step-sister, Elizabeth Cook. Funeral service will be at 2:00 P.M., Friday, December 6, 2024, at First Church of God, 704 N Jefferson St, Hutchinson, Kansas. Memorials may be given to the Kairos Prison Ministry of Kansas in care of Birzer Funeral Home, Sterling.

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