Name: Celebration of Life for JOSEPH S. KENTON
Start: 2014-03-29T21:00:00.000Z
End: 2014-03-29T23:00:00.000Z
Location: Blue Hills Country Club

Joseph S. Kenton was born Sept. 11, 1921, in KCMO. He made his transition on March 20, 2014, from COPD complications. He is survived by six children, Jane Kincaid, Kay Kenton Bethune, Ann Mendez, Dr. Jill Bergerhofer, Steven Kenton and Lynn Kenton, and 11 grandchildren. Joe lived an extraordinary life and excelled in all endeavors. He attained the rankings of Eagle Scout and Warrior in the Tribe of Mic-O- Say. He graduated from Washington University in 1941 with a degree in Public Administration. In 1949, he earned an MA in History and Government from Kansas City University. Joe was a decorated six battle star US Navy WWII veteran, serving from 1941-1946. He rose from apprentice seaman to command an LSM 335 landing ship at the age of 22, a story he shared with his children and grandchildren when urging them to excel. He taught History and Government at KSU. Joe served on the Urban League's Board of Directors, Board of Deacons as chairman, Country Club Congregational Church as trustee, Center School District Board of Education six years- president two years, and the Council on Race and Religion education committee. A pioneer of endowments for public school districts in Missouri, he began and served as first president of the Cooperating School Districts of Greater KC. Joe served for 12 years in the Missouri House of Representatives and was chairman of the Special House Committee on the KC Public School District. As the founder of the Philatelic Section of the Red Bridge Library and board member of the American Philatelic Society Ethics Committee, Joe actively worked as a stamp dealer for 41 years. Joe loved the sea and took every opportunity to set sail, including a 2010 world cruise. His last sea tour, at age 89, was always his favorite, the Panama Canal. A website highlighting his life in photos, and collecting tributes and condolences can be found at www.joseph-kenton.com The family invites friends to join them in celebrating Joe's life from 4 to 6 p.m. Saturday, March 29, at Blue Hills Country Club. Mr. Kenton requested that any contributions be made to Harvesters.

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Published by Kansas City Star from Mar. 23 to Mar. 29, 2014.

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for JOSEPH KENTON

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Jason Holsman

March 24, 2014

When I was campaigning door to door two summers ago for the Missouri Senate Mr. Kenton spent almost 20 minutes on his front porch telling me the importance of public education. When we were finished he told me to put a sign in his yard and that I had his vote. I was saddened to hear of his passing and grateful for his public service as a member of the Missouri House. May he rest in peace.

Senator Jason Holsman

March 23, 2014

Steve, Lynn,Jill,Ann, Kay and Jane, my sincere condolences to all. Your father was a great man and has passed on that "Greatness" to all of his offspring. Wishing you all peace and sending prayers of comfort. An honor to have known your father and spend much time previous with all of you.

Cam

Bob

March 23, 2014

I am grateful for the life of Mr. Kenton. Thanks to his service and to the service of others in our armed forces, my family and I have been able to lead our lives in freedom and peace.

March 23, 2014

We send you love... May his memory forever be a blessing.... Stephanie and Art

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