Weldon Kennedy

1938 - 2020

Weldon Kennedy

It is with great sadness that the family of Weldon Kennedy announces his passing due to natural causes on Saturday, June 13th, 2020 at the age of 81. Weldon passed peacefully in his sleep, having spent the prior evening surrounded by his close family. Weldon was born September 12, 1938 to Weldon and Arlene Kennedy in Menlow, TX. Weldon is survived by his wife of 60 years, Kathy, his sons Milton (Beth) & Darrell (Angie), his daughter, Karen (Scott Anderson), 5 grandchildren, 3 step-grandchildren, 1 great-grandchild and 5 step-great-grandchildren. Weldon graduated from University of Texas, Austin, then entered service as a Naval Intelligence Officer before starting a career in the FBI that would span 34 years and end with his exit as the bureau's second in command. Weldon quickly rose through the ranks, from street agent in 9 different offices, then SAC (Special Agent in Charge) of 3 field offices. In 1987, during his time as SAC in Atlanta, inmates at the United States Penitentiary of Atlanta organized a violent insurrection, taking 100 hostages. Led by Weldon, FBI negotiated the rebellion's surrender with no deaths to inmates. Weldon was SAC of Phoenix in 1995 when the Murrah Building was destroyed by an explosion in Oklahoma City. Weldon was hand-picked to be the On-Scene Commander for the investigation of the bombing. With over 3.5 tons of evidence, OKBOMB was the largest individual FBI investigation to date in 1995 and led to the successful capture and conviction of those responsible for the worst incident of domestic terrorism in American history. Weldon was made Deputy Director of the FBI and left the bureau in 1997, served as Vice Chairman of Guardsmark & eventually retired to Prescott, AZ with his beloved wife, Kathy. Weldon was a lifelong enthusiast of aviation, held a private pilot's license and enjoyed recreational flying with his family. He also loved rodeo and held a family tradition by taking his family to Prescott Frontier Days every 4th of July. A memorial service was held on Monday, June 22nd at Pinnacle Peak Mortuary in Scottsdale, AZ.