Richard Thomas Kenney

Richard Thomas Kenney, 64, passed away unexpectedly in his sleep on November 16, 2024. He will be sorely missed. 

Richard was born on May 4, 1960, the oldest of six children of Thomas Wendell Kenney and Elaine Chapman Kenney. 

He loved his family dearly. He could be counted on to lend a helping hand when it was needed. His family held him up through the many trials he faced in mortality. His immediate and extended family were everything to him.

He was a lover of animals, particularly cats and dogs. He had cats and dogs most of his life. He would seek out the company of the pets in any home he visited. He especially liked cats. His cat Kiki snuggled up with him every night.

Life was difficult for Richard, with his first major surgery taking place when he was just six weeks old. He struggled from hearing loss starting in grade school. He was nearly deaf in his right ear and had limited hearing in the left ear throughout his adult life, but he maintained a cheerful disposition most of the time.

He struggled through school academically, leading him to become quite a mischief maker. His favorite story to tell was when the elementary school principal told him, “If you can stay out of my office for one month, I'll wipe your record clean.” He was back in the principal's office on day 32. How he would laugh every time he would tell that story! He had many other stories about the pranks he pulled at school, laughing as he recounted the memories; as if given the chance, he would do them all again.

He had a cheerful and sometimes goofy disposition. He also loved dancing. He would don a silk shirt and platform shoes and head out to the disco several times a week. 

He was an avid rc helicopter pilot. 

Richard was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and served a mission in San Bernardino, California.

Becoming a husband and father was what he desired most in life. He had the faith to believe he would marry someone who would love him even after the unimaginable heartbreaks and losses he had endured in previous marriages. His faith led him to select the perfect ring even though he did not know anyone he wanted to marry.

He formally met JoAnn Warner at a Church dance in February 2003. He made such an impression on her that they married on June 20, 2003 and enjoyed the next twenty-one years together. Thomas joined their family after a long twelve year wait and completed their family. Richard was a good husband and a great father. 

Richard is survived by his loving wife JoAnn, sons Thomas, Hyram, and Isaiah Kenney, parents Thomas and Elaine Kenney, siblings Michael Kenney (Robin), Shellee Marlar (James), Sherri Latimer, Cathy Gonzales (Terry), and Candy Parker (John), as well as numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. 

His son, Thomas testifies: “We all wish he could come back this very moment, but I understand that I have to wait until Heavenly Father and Jesus to decide that it is the time to come back to earth, to be with our beloved family members.

‘If you have the time in your prayers, please pray for our family.’

Richard leaves a hole that cannot be filled. He was loved by many.