Brigadier Generalthomasj. Kennedy

Brigadier General Thomas J. Kennedy, 94, of Topeka, KS, passed away Wednesday, September 3, 2014, after a brief illness.

Tom was born March 9, 1920, in Emmett, KS, son of Thomas V. and Lillian (Seitz) Kennedy. He graduated from Emmett High School, attended Kansas State Teachers College, Emporia, and graduated from Washburn University, where he was named a distinguished service award recipient for the University in 1978.

Tom began his military career on September 26, 1939, in the Kansas National Guard. He served in the European Theater during WWII from 1940 - 1946.

He returned to Kansas and worked for Topeka Wholesale Grocery Company from 1946-1962, after which he became fulltime with the Kansas National Guard.

With the 35th Division's deactivation in 1963, he became the Executive Officer of the newly formed 69th Infantry Brigade and later, with his promotion to Colonel, became Deputy Brigade Commander. He held that post when the Brigade was ordered to active Duty in May 1968. In September 1968 he became the Brigade Commanding Officer when it was assigned to the 5th Infantry Division (M) at Fort Carson, CO. and held that position until December 1969 when the Brigade was released from Active Duty.

In 1970, he was named Commanding General of the Brigade, a position he held until his retirement in 1977. Tom received numerous awards/decorations which included: The Legion of Merit with Oak Leaf Cluster; The Bronze Star Medal; The Army Commendation Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters; The European-African-Middle East Campaign Medal with two Battle Stars; the World War II Victory Medal and the French National Order of the Legion of Honor Medal. In addition, he was inducted into the Kansas National Guard Hall of Fame in 1982.

Following his retirement, he was appointed Director of Alcoholic Beverage Control for the State of Kansas, a position he held for seven years. He served as Regional Commander and President of the National Conference of State Liquor Administrators for two years.

Tom was united in marriage to Ruth M. Coleman on June 9, 1942, in Fort Sill, OK. They were married for 72 years.

He enjoyed golfing, and he and Ruth enjoyed gardening, playing bridge, and attending the Topeka Civic Theatre. Tom had been active in many organizations including serving as President of the Topeka Chapter of the Association of the United States Army, President of the National Guard Association of Kansas, President of the Topeka Chapter of the Military Order of World Wars, Commander of Capitol Post #1 of the American Legion, Chairman, Kansas Commission on Veterans Affairs, Chairman, and President, Kaw Valley Chapter, Military Officers Association of America.

Tom was a long time member of the Topeka Fellowship which sponsors the Kansas Prayer Breakfast and served as the General Chairman for the breakfast for a number of years.

He is survived by his wife, Ruth Kennedy, daughters, Sandra Kokker (Tom Baumann), and Betsy (Ray) Steanson, son,Lt.Colonel(retired) Michael (Jan) Kennedy, three grandsons, Jason, Zachary and Brian, two great-granddaughters, Cameron and Austyn, sister, "Dollie" Petr, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents, and sister, Kathryn "Peachie" Domme.

The family would like to give special thanks to caregivers, Ahmara, Tyya, Tizzy, Tyja, and Tim.

Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, at Penwell-Gabel Mid-Town Chapel, Topeka. Interment will follow at Denison Cemetery, Denison, KS, with military honors conducted by the Kansas National Guard.

He will lie in state after 3:00 p.m. Monday, at the funeral home, where the family will greet friends from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. Monday.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be directed to Topeka Rescue Mission, Inc. PO Box 8350, Topeka, KS 66608.

To leave the family a special message, visit www.PenwellGabelTopeka.com.