Haler Kennedy

Dr. Haler E. "Huler" Kennedy, Sr. 78, Topeka, passed away on Saturday, February 5, 2005

Dr. Haler was born on August 15, 1926 the son of Clarence Eugene and Edna Ann Hoedle Kennedy in Xenia, Ohio. He attended Southwest High School in Kansas City, Missouri. and graduated in 1942 at the age of 15.

He attended the University of Michigan from 1942 to 1944, where he was a member of Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity and played on the Freshman basketball team.

Dr. Haler entered UMKC School of Dentistry in June 1944, graduating in June 1947 at the age of 20. While there he was a member of Whos Who in American Universities and Colleges and Xi Psi Phi Dental Fraternity. He was a member of the UMKC Dentist School faculty from 1947 to 1952 as instructor of Crown and Bridge, and removable partial dentures courses. He designed and built the first dental office in Prairie Village and practiced in Prairie Village, Kansas until June 1952. After serving as a Lieutenant in the US Navy Dental Corps from 1952 to 1954, he moved with his family to Topeka where he founded his dental practice. He maintained his full time practice for 42 years from 1954 to 1996. He served as a Dental Consultant for Blue Cross and Blue Shield from 1966 to 1992 as well as for SRS and EDS from 1996 to 2003.

Since retiring from his full time dental practice he continued to work by substituting for area dentists and making dentures for Dr. McKenzie in St. Marys Kansas.

He is survived by his wife "Patty-with-a-y" Kennedy. They were married in 1975. His former wife, Treva Ragland whom he married in 1947 also survives. He is survivied by 5 children: Susan Wright and her husband Doug; Haler Kennedy Jr. and wife Mary; Michael Kennedy and Janet Tenholder; Randy Wills and Donna Lynn all of Topeka. Jandy Wills of Overland Park, Ks. "Crappa" was so proud of his 9 grandchildren who survive. Sara Wright, Prairie Village, KS;Adam Wright, Overland Park, KS; Karla Kennedy, Lawrence, KS; Kacie Kennedy, Topeka; Jessica Kennedy, Topeka (who was born on Grandpa Halers 71st birthday), ; Ryan Wills, Boulder, Co; Kelsey Wills, Topeka; John Tenholder and Ryan Tenholder, Topeka. Two nephews. Dr. Scott Kennedy and Bill Kennedy; Niece Ann Kennedy Ketterman also survive. He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers: Dr. John O. Kennedy and Dr. Howard U. Kennedy. Also two nephews, John and David Kennedy.

Lifetime memberships include Omicron Kappa Upsilon Dental Honor Fraternity, Fellow of American College of Dentistry, American Prosthetic Society, American Dental Association, Kansas Dental Association, Topeka District Dental Society, Past President . Past President of Topeka Golf Association, former member, Board of Directors Kansas Golf Association, Member of the Topeka Country Club and the Topeka Cosmopoiitan Club and was a member of Countryside United Methodist Church.

His many talents include music, ping-pong, golf, dentistry and his famiy.He was an avid supporter of the University of Michigan and University of Kansas Athletics.

He will truly be missed by his family, many friends and loved ones.

Funeral services will be held at Countryside United Methodist Church on Tuesday, February 8, 2005 at 11:00 A.M. Funeral arrangements are being handled by Penwell-Gabel Mid Town Chapel.

Memorial contrtibutions may be made to the Countryside United Methodist Church, 3221 SW Burlingame Road, Topeka, Kansas 66611

A special message can be left for the family at www.penwellgabel.com.