Barry was born May 15, 1938 in Harrisonville, Missouri to Claude E. & Marjorie M. Kennedy. He joined his older brother Edward in many boyhood adventures, both in Harrisonville, MO & Parsons, KS., where the family moved when Barry was seven. When Barry was a freshman in high school, the family moved to Kansas City, MO. Barry attended Central High School in Kansas City, MO. Upon graduation, Barry took his scholarships and considerable artist abilities to The Kansas City Art Institute. Shortly before graduation from college, Barry met Karin Voeller, a co-worker at Montgomery Ward, where they both worked part time. Barry and Karin were married in 1962, shortly after Barry completed his time in the Air Force Reserve during the Vietnam era. Barry was stationed at Richards Gebaur Air Force base, just outside Kansas City, MO. Within days of their wedding, Barry & Karin left for Providence, Rhode Island in order that Barry could obtain his Master’s Degree in Applied Arts & Design. Upon graduation, they returned to Kansas City, MO where Barry was immediately hired by the North Kansas City School District as the Art Instructor at Maple Park Middle School. After two years at Maple Park, Barry was recruited to be a part of the soon to be opened Oak Park High School.
In 1973, daughter Kristi Lynn was born, and three years later was joined by brother, John Benjamin. Thus began a long journey of coaching, facilitating and nurturing these two thru, dance, gymnastics, bowling, baseball, cheerleading, softball and all their educational endeavors.
Barry retired from Oak Park after 33 years. After a brief stint as a substitute teacher within the district, he was hired by Metropolitan Junior College as an adjunct professor in the Art Department at the Penn Valley campus to teach Fashion Design and Illustration. He remained at Penn Valley for 15 years.
After his final retirement from teaching, he remained active in the community, offering his artistic ability to all who asked. He remained a prolific artist & painter until his final day of life.
A celebration of life for Barry will be held at 11 AM, Saturday October 12th, 2024 at North Cross Methodist Church, 1321 NE Vivion Rd, Kansas City, Missouri, 64118. Please join the family in remembering Barry and his exceptional life of service to all he knew.
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