Houston Stanton Kennedy Jr.

Houston Stanton Kennedy, Jr. was born in Waldrup, Texas on October 28, 1928 to Myrtle Neal Hodges and Houston Stanton Kennedy. He died Saturday, May 2, 2015 in Fort Worth, Texas. He was preceded in death by his parents, Myrtle and Houston, beloved brothers; Roy Elbert and Leo James, and brother-in-law, Barnie McBee. Houston and Billie’s son, Joe Barry, died on January 21, 2015.

After graduating high school in Lohn, Tx., Houston joined the Navy and was assigned to the USS Boxer in the Pacific theater during the final days of World War II. Houston returned to Texas in late 1947 and soon met the young lady who was to become his “Sweet Wife” of 67 years – Mary Lou “Billie Joe” Phillips. Houston and Billie wed on February 28, 1948 in Brady, Texas.

After many fun years of dancing their way across Texas while travelling with Houston’s construction jobs - not to mention nighttime coon hunting and camping - the couple was blessed with 3 sons: Joe Barry in 1952, James Roy “Jim” in 1954, and Houston Stanton III “Chip” in 1960. Houston enjoyed special relationships with his brother-in-law’s, Rayford Phillips, Clem Pearson, Barnie McBee, and cousin-in-law John Kimbrough. Houston and Billie finally settled into retirement in Olden in 1992. Houston lived his days working in his garden and watching his grandchildren, and then great-grandchildren, grow… and dancing in the kitchen with Billie.

Houston was a deeply spiritual man who loved and lived for his family. He is survived by his wife, Billie Kennedy; one sister, Zora Lee and her husband, Clem Pearson; two sons, Jim and daughter-in-law, Meg, and Chip. He was blessed with four grandchildren: Aaron Kennedy and wife Molly, Garret Kennedy and Sharla, Sabrena Rushing and husband Chad, and Angela Robinson and husband Bret. He was further blessed with eight great-grandchildren: Hali, Jadyn, Jillian, Raelyn, Laike, Miles, Seely, and Lanae - and countless loving extended family members throughout Texas, Louisiana, and Washington State.

Houston had been looking forward to attending the Lohn Reunion and reminiscing with life-long friends this Spring, but instead will be coming to rest in Marion Cemetery, Tuesday, May 5, 2015, with his parents and son, as well as numerous aunts and uncles, cousins, and grandparents. In lieu of flowers, the family would be honored to have Houston remembered to the Marion Cemetery (4220 W. FM 765, Lohn, Tx 76852).