Philip R. "Skip" Kennedy

Philip R. “Skip” Kennedy, 86, of Topeka, died February 22, 2023, at Stormont Vail Hospital after a brief illness. He was born January 2, 1937, in Chelsea, VT to James and Gladys Kennedy.

He graduated from Spalding High School. He served In the Air force from 1956 -1960. He has lived in Topeka KS since 1964. He worked for Wentz Equipment for several years and then Berry Tractor until he retired in 2002. He volunteered at Let’s Help and later for Doorstep. He also volunteered at Great Overland Station,

For many years, he volunteered as Santa Claus at various places. He was a member of the Great Plains Balloon Club for several years.

He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Julia Burns Kennedy. Brother, Ernest Kennedy of Chelsea, VT.  His children Randy Kennedy, (Marguerite), Patrick Kennedy, James Kennedy (Sami) of Topeka, KS, and Jeffrey Kennedy, (Oulay) of Lawrence, KS: Six grandchildren, Michael Kennedy, Karla Kennedy, Rachel Kennedy, Jason Kennedy, Nick Kennedy, and Kristina Kennedy. Four step grandchildren, Anita Hilanthom, Angela Hilanthom of Lawrence KS; Peter Hilanthom ofKalispell, MT and Michelle Barnes of Topeka, Great grandchildren Nathaniel and Abigail Thompson, Saphira, Alex and Amaya Kennedy, Maylania and Kaleb Langdon, Leo and Kai Hilanthom and Evelyn Barnes.

He was preceded in death by his parents, siblings, Thelma Dickenson, Vida Martin, Beverly Lyon, Carl Kennedy, Larry Kennedy.

The family will receive friends 6:00pm to 8:00pm, Tuesday, February 28, 2023 at Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home.  Funeral services will be 1:00pm, Wednesday, March 1, 2023 at the funeral home.  Interment will be at Shipshee Cemetery in Mayetta.

Memorial contributions can be made in his memory to Doorstep Inc. or the Rheumatoid Arthritis Foundation, sent in care of Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 SW 6^th Ave. Topeka, KS 66603.