Kenny Henry

Kenneth Linus Henry, 78, of Topeka, Kansas, loving husband, father, brother, friend and son, passed on July 10, 2024, at St. Luke's hospital in Kansas City, Missouri. Kenny was born to Joseph and Hedwig (Waller) Henry in Seneca, Kansas on November 24, 1945, and was the tenth of twelve children. Kenny grew up on his family’s dairy farm in Corning, Kansas. Growing up there meant sharing strong family, faith and social bonds – living and working together, helping each other and helping others. There was always a crowd of family and friends, especially Sundays for meals and card playing. He graduated Corning High School and later attended Highland Community College where he played football. He moved to Topeka and quickly began working for Santa Fe Railroad in the tax accounting department. He spent the majority of his 35+ year career with Santa Fe in Topeka with a brief two-year stint in Chicago early in his tenure. He met Dorothy Conley in the fall of 1967 and they were married on May 11, 1968. They enjoyed 56 years together, a loving marriage filled with life’s challenges and joys. They raised two children, Amy Lynne (1971) and Matthew Ivan (1973). Kenny was a dedicated husband and father who instilled the values of community, laughter and hard work by example. He was a constantly active husband and father, coaching the kids sports teams, mowing yards and taking family vacations. Kenny enjoyed playing baseball when he was young which translated into a life-long slow pitch softball career, beginning with Corning-Topeka and continuing into his senior years. He began golfing in his 30’s and in retirement became an avid golfer who was constantly trying to improve while focusing equally on the relationships that he established along the way. He and Dorothy loved to play together at home and while traveling. Throughout his life Kenny never met a stranger and relished the opportunity to meet new people, establish connections and build life-long relationships. He enjoyed telling jokes, making people laugh and engaging in lively (and sometimes lengthy) conversations. Kenny is survived by his wife, Dorothy; children, Amy Baker (Darren) and Matt Henry (Markie); grandchildren, Adriana Baker and Madeline and Florah Henry. He is also survived by siblings Frenchy Henry, Jim Henry, Mary Jo Barrett and Dennis Henry and preceded in death by parents Joe and Hedwig Henry and siblings, Joseph Henry Jr., Edith Rombeck, Don Henry, Dick Henry, Bob Henry, Regis Henry and Larry Henry. Kenny’s family will greet friends from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. and a parish rosary will be prayed at 6:30 p.m. Monday, July 15th at Christ the King Catholic Church, 5973 SW 25th Street, Topeka, Kansas 66614. Mass of Christian Burial will be Tuesday, July 16th at 10 a.m. at the church. Burial will follow at Centralia Cemetery in Centralia, Kansas at 2:30 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to Hayden Catholic High School, and sent in care of Kevin Brennan Family Funeral Home, 2801 SW Urish Road, Topeka, Kansas 66614. Kenny's Funeral Mass will be live-streamed on the funeral home's Facebook page, you can follow this link. https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063672125244

Kenny Henry

November 24, 1945 - July 10, 2024