Eugene Kennon Obituary

Eugene Leslie (Gene) Kennon

Eugene Leslie (Gene) Kennon, 93, Lee's Summit, passed away at home on Monday, March 26, 2012. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, March 31 in Blue Ridge Blvd United Methodist Church, 5055 Blue Ridge Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64133. The family will receive friends beginning at 10:15 a.m. Private burial took place earlier in Floral Hills Memorial Gardens, Kansas City, MO.

The family suggests memorial contributions to the Shepherd's Center of Raytown, 7900 Blue Ridge Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64138 or Blue Ridge Blvd UMC.

Gene was born December 22, 1918 in Fair Play, Mo. and graduated from Fair Play High School in 1936. He served in the United States Army in World War II in the Pacific Theater with a Graves Registration unit. Upon discharge, Gene decided to make funeral service his life's calling. He graduated with honors in 1947 from the College of Mortuary Science in St. Louis, relocated to Kansas City and spent the next 40+ years comforting and showing compassion to more families than we will ever know. He joined the staff of the prestigious Stine and McClure Funeral Home in 1951, became General Manager in 1965 and retired in 1988. His cordial personality, empathy, work ethic, and attention to detail were great assets throughout his life and career.

Gene married JoAnn Weber on November 10, 1962. They moved to the Raytown area where they raised two daughters. Gene and JoAnn have been members of Blue Ridge Blvd UMC for more than 40 years. Gene's commitment to serving others was exemplified by his 50-year membership in Lions Club Int'l, ringing bells for The Salvation Army for over 30 years, serving on the board of Kansas City Assoc for the Blind and the Advisory Board of Volunteers of America. After his retirement, Gene served several years as Transportation Coordinator for the Shepherd's Center of Raytown.

Gene was preceded in death by his parents, James and Myrtia (Curl) Kennon; and his brother and sister-in-law, Ralph and Kathleen Kennon.

Survivors include wife, JoAnn of the home; daughter, Elizabeth (Beth) Kennon and her partner, Shellee Botts of Kansas City; daughter, Leslie Johnson and her husband, Johnny Johnson of Overland Park, Kan.; three grandchildren, Caleb, Hannah and Grace Johnson of Overland Park, Kan.; niece, Sandra (Kennon) Harrison and her husband, David Harrison of Springfield, Mo.; and many extended family members.

Fond memories and condolences for the family may be left at www.floralhillsfuneralhome.com.