Bill Kennedy

Bill Kennedy, born on October 30, 1950, in Nettleton, Mississippi, passed away peacefully on May 29, 2026, in Wakarusa, Kansas. Bill was a man who cherished the simple pleasures of life and held his family close to his heart.

He graduated from Topeka High School in 1968, beginning a life marked by hard work and dedication. Bill worked as an independent contractor, driving his own over-the-road truck and hauling various products throughout the United States. Beyond his career on the road, Bill enjoyed raising cattle and tending to his garden.

Bill was a loyal and private man who loved his family dearly. Those who knew him remember his good humor and fondness for joking around, though he always remained a reserved individual. In his younger years he was known as “Wild Willy”. He enjoyed the outdoors immensely—hunting, fishing, camping, and boating were among his favorite pastimes. He also took pleasure in canning vegetables from his garden, a testament to his self-reliant nature. One of his great loves was his cat, Phyllis, named after the comedian Phyllis Diller.

Bill is survived by his loving sister Karla (Steve) Meggison, brothers Ricky (Susan) Kennedy and Don (Stacy) Kennedy, sister Alice (Ron) Murray, and his children Shelley, Kristie, and Misty. He also leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews who will remember his steadfast loyalty and gentle spirit.

He was preceded in death by his father, Ray Kennedy, and his mother, Liz (Raines) Kennedy.

A graveside service to honor Bill’s life will be held on June 4, 2026, at Auburn Cemetery in Auburn, Kansas. The service will begin at 11:00 a.m. allowing friends and family to gather, remember, and say their final goodbyes.

Bill Kennedy lived a life defined by loyalty, hard work, and a love for family and nature. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who knew him.

Memorial contributions may be made to Harvesters.

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