John Hue Kennedy Jr.

John H. Kennedy, Jr. (63), of Cedar Hill, passed away on Monday, April 8, 2024. He was a beloved husband, father, and Air Force veteran. John was surrounded by the love of his family at the time of his death following a brave battle with cancer.

He was born on November 23, 1960, to John H. Kennedy Sr. and Addie ‘Sue’ Kennedy at Luke Air Force Base in Glendale, Arizona.

John graduated from O’Fallon Township High School in O’Fallon, Illinois before joining the Air Force in July 1980. He received numerous awards during his service including an Air Force Commendation Medal, Achievement Medal, Outstanding Unit Award, Good Conduct Medal, Longevity Service Award, and several others.

He graduated from the University of Nebraska Omaha with a bachelor’s degree while enlisted. Following an honorable discharge in 1989, he embarked on a new chapter of civilian life in Sioux City, Iowa forging a successful career as a finance manager. He held numerous positions in sales and finance before finishing his career at Sabre Industries in Alverado, Texas. His years of military service instilled in him values of honor, discipline, integrity, and commitment which he carried with him throughout his professional endeavors and personal life.

Following a whirlwind courtship, he married Lisa Breidenbach on January 30, 1980. Throughout their 44 years of marriage, they built a life together filled with love, laughter, and countless cherished memories. He was a devoted father to his three children and a doting grandfather to his three grandsons. He treasured every moment spent with his family showering them with affection and wisdom.

John may have been seen as introspective and reserved by many, however, those who had the privilege of knowing him best understood the depth of his humor and the warmth of his spirit. He had a remarkable ability to find joy in the simplest of moments and to spread laughter wherever he went. He enjoyed boating and fishing, woodworking, and casual moments spent with family and friends playing cards or games over a drink. His fun-loving nature brought light to the lives of all who knew him, leaving an indelible mark on those fortunate enough to call him a friend. Though he may no longer be with us in body, his memory will live on in the hearts of all who had the honor of knowing him.

John was preceded in death by his father John Kennedy, Sr. He is survived by his mother, Addie ‘Sue’ Kennedy; his wife, Lisa Kennedy; children Angela Kennedy, Kate (Kevin) Beabout, and John Kennedy III; three grandchildren, Lucas, Ryan, and Oliver Beabout; and two sisters, Janet (Van) Flournoy and Deborah (Johnny) Martinez.

Memorial visitation will be Wednesday, April 24, 2024, 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm, at Wade Family Funeral Home in Arlington, Texas. Memorial services will begin at 1:00 pm. Celebration of Life beginning at 2:00 pm at Shady Valley Country Club in Arlington. Inurnment will be Thursday, April 25, 2024, at 10:15 am at the Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery in Dallas, Texas.