Joe Barry Kennedy

Joe Barry Kennedy was born July 22, 1952 in Midland, Texas. Though his parents, Houston and Mary (Billie) Kennedy were repeatedly assured he was not going to “make it” past childhood, Joe lived a long, wonderfully rich life: living at home with his family and attending school in McCamey and Lubbock before graduating Comanche High School in 1970. Joe eventually settled down to life at the San Angelo Development Center where, for over two decades, he not only held a part time job, but actively pursued his love of sports through the Special Olympics, golf, bowling and of course, music and dancing. In fact, one of Joe’s proudest moments was dancing with Miss Texas. In 2013, Joe moved to Eastland and into the capable, caring hands of the staff at Valley View Nursing Home. Everyone who knew Joe, knew that he was a lifelong fan of the Dallas Cowboys – even through their tough years. Through failing health, Joe made it through one last Cowboy football season before passing away in Ft. Worth on Wednesday, January 21, 2015. He was surrounded by the people he loved most amid stories of his childhood and family memories and soft laughter. Joe is survived by: his parents, Houston and Billie Kennedy; two brothers, Jim and Chip, and sister in law, Meg; nephew Aaron Kennedy and wife Molly, nephew Garret and Sharla, niece Angela Robinson and husband Bret, niece Sabrena Rushing and husband Chad; and eight grand nieces and nephews - Jadyn, Hali, Jillian, Raelyn, Laike, Seely, Miles, and Lanae - and countless loving extended family members throughout Texas, Louisiana, and even Washington State. Joe was laid to rest with aunts and uncles, cousins, and grandparents in Marion Cemetery at Lohn, Texas. We will miss Joe’s gentle spirit, love of his mama’s pecan pie, and his unwavering faith in God. In lieu of flowers, the family would be honored to have Joe remembered to the Big Country Special Olympics Program in Abilene, TX.