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John R. Kenyon
Longtime Resident of Dracut
U. S. Navy Veteran of World War II
DRACUT -- John R. Kenyon, of Dracut, died peacefully on September 30, 2013, at his son's home in Auburn, New Hampshire, aged 89 years. He was the beloved husband of the late Shirley M. (Pickard) Kenyon, who died in 2003.
Born in Lowell, August 30, 1924, a son of the late Robert O. and Anna (Monson) Kenyon. He received his early education in the Lowell school system and was a graduate of Lowell High School with the Class of 1943.
John enlisted in the U. S. Navy on May 14, 1943, serving aboard the U.S.S. Guymon (PC-1177) as Ship's Cook, Second Class, as well as at Naval Training Stations in Newport, RI and Richmond, VA. He received the World War II Victory Medal, American Area Medal, Asiatic Pacific Medal with two stars, the Philippine Liberation Medal with one star, and the Asian-Pacific Campaign Medal. He was honorably discharged on April 4, 1950.
Upon his return from active duty service, he became associated with Gallagher Drug Store in Lowell, where he met his wife of 56 years. He then worked for New England Telephone in various positions for over 37 years, retiring in 1985.
John was an accomplished bowler, and was recognized at the 1969 Annual Meeting of Congress as a Top 30 Bowler, nationwide. He bowled with the Businessmen's League, the Intercity League, the Greater Lowell Protestant Church League, and the Couples League at the YMCA. He also played in the Protestant Softball League.
John held memberships in the Acacia Club, the Square and Compass Club, the Chelmsford Elks, and the Telephone Pioneer's Club.
Mr. Kenyon was a member of the Ancient York Masonic Lodge of Lowell, a 32 Degree Scottish Rite Mason, and a member of the Aleppo Shrine. He was a member of St. Paul's Methodist Church of Lowell, where he belonged to the Couples Club, taught Sunday school, and was an usher.
John enjoyed family gatherings at his summer "camp", first on Lake Winnipesaukee, then at Winnisquam Lake, and during the cold winter months, at his home in Florida. In his heyday, you could find him dancing the night away with his beloved wife Shirley at their favorite spots, whether here or in Florida. He was also an avid Red Sox fan. A lifelong animal lover, he was especially fond of his dog "Princess", otherwise lightheartedly known by his family as "dad's girlfriend".
In spite of all John's accomplishments, it was watching his grandson's go-cart races, telling a story or two and a joke now and then, and spending time with his family, that he loved most.
He is survived by a daughter, Shirley Ann Bemis and her husband Wayne of Merrimack, NH, and Bolivia, North Carolina; and a son, J. Richard "Dick" Kenyon and his wife Anne Marie E. of Auburn, NH. Five grandchildren, Craig E. Colby and his wife Kristen of Delaware, Robert L. Kenyon and his wife Angela A. of Worcester, Kristen Ann Kenyon, John Peter Kenyon and Christopher R. Kenyon. One great-grandson, Steven A. Andino. A brother-in-law, Alexander Gervais and his wife Louise, and several nieces and nephews. He was the grandfather of the late Kimberly Ann Kenyon.
KENYON -- In Auburn, NH, September 30, 2013. John R. Kenyon, of Dracut, aged 89 years. Beloved husband of the late Shirley M. (Pickard) Kenyon. Friends will be received at the MORSE-BAYLISS Funeral Home, 122 Princeton Blvd., Lowell, on Thursday morning from 9 to 10:45 AM, followed by John's Funeral Service at the funeral home at 11:00 AM. Relatives and friends respectfully invited. Interment in Edson Cemetery, Lowell, with a ceremony of Military Funeral Honors performed by the Walker Rogers Post 662 Veterans of Foreign War Honor Guard. Funeral Directors, Frederick W. Healy and Walter F. Bayliss, Jr. Please visit John's memorial tribute at www.morsebaylissfuneralhome.com.
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5 Entries
To John's Family, I met your parents many years ago at a doctors office where I worked. We became friends and John and I have been exchanging Christmas cards for many years. He was a very nice man.
Sheila Phelps
October 12, 2013
Dick,
So sorry to hear of your Dad's passing. I will keep you and your family in my prayers through this time: "Mungus"
Mike Evans
October 7, 2013
Dear Family,
Please accept our most heartfelt thoughts and condolences regarding the passing of John. We are so very sorry for your loss.
Sincerely,
Manchester VNA Hospice
October 7, 2013
I WORKED with john on the testboard in lawrence from 1974-1980 GREAT TIMES RIP
russ Pomerleau
October 2, 2013
So sorry for your loss. Before retirement from Hannaford in Pelham NH John was a regular customer who always had a smile and a joke for me. Driving home after work for I lived on Wagon Wheel Rd I would always get a big wave and smile...god bless you john..
Richard Baribeault
October 2, 2013
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