Robert F. "Bob" Kennedy

Robert F. Kennedy, 89, of Sterling, Kansas, passed away November 11, 2020 at his home. He was born March 8, 1931 at home in Osceola Mills, Pennsylvania, the son of Lester L. and Frances M. Coudriet Kennedy. Bob has been a resident of Sterling since 1965. He was employed for forty-three years from 1953-1996 as a supply clerk for North American Salt of Lyons, Kansas. He also served as custodian for First United Methodist Church, Sterling for 28 years, working evenings and weekends, retiring in 1998. Bob was a member of the First United Methodist Church, Sterling, International Chemical Workers Union, Cub Scout leader, attended friendship meals, volunteer at First United Methodist Church, Sterling and Rice County Women's Thrift Shop, and was the driver for Sterling College library staff to out of town meetings. He married Charlene L. Randle November of 1950 in Lyons, Kansas. To that union was born three children, Kerby, Kala, and Karen. They divorced in 1959. Bob married Kay F. Keevert-Temple December 21, 1962. She also brings three children to the family, Elizabeth, Kara, and Stephen, fathered by Vernon D. Temple. Together they had Emily. Survivors include sister, Vanetta L. Kennedy, brother, Ardell R. Kennedy of Osceola Mills, Pennsylvania, Kerby Kennedy of Sterling, Stephen Temple of Wichita, Kala (Phillip) Wright of Spiro, Oklahoma, Kara (Bryce) Johnson of Lyons, Kansas, Karen (Dennis) Buccella of Greenwood, Arkansas, and Emily (Chris) Gillespie of Alden, Kansas, eighteen grandchildren, thirty-one great grandchildren, four great-great grandchildren, and two great granddaughters on the way. He was preceded in death by his wife Kay of fifty-four years on March 21, 2017, his parents, a brother, Lester F. Kennedy, and daughter Elizabeth K. Temple-Cook. Funeral service will be at 11:00 A.M., Saturday, November 14, 2020 at the First United Methodist Church, Sterling with Pastor Amy Foster and Pastor Bob Baer officiating. Burial will follow at Sterling Community Cemetery. Visitation will be from 2:00 until 7:00 P.M., Friday, November 13, 2020 at Birzer Funeral Home, Sterling with family present 5:00 until 7:00 P.M. Memorials may be given to Rice County Women’s Thrift Shop or First United Methodist Church, Sterling in care of Birzer Funeral Home, Sterling. The service will also be streamed live on the Birzer Funeral Home FaceBook page.

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