Kansas City, Missouri
After a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer, Richard Alan Kenny, 57, of Kansas City, Mo., passed away at home on January 31, 2007. He was born August 20, 1949 in San Francisco, California to Lois and Francis Kenny. He grew up in Omaha, Neb., and attended Benson High School and the University of Nebraska at Omaha, where he was member of the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity. After graduation, he worked for Union Pacific for several years. He was an avid Chiefs, Royals and Nebraska Cornhuskers fan. From early childhood and throughout his life, Rich enjoyed visiting his family home in Letcher, South Dakota. He hosted annual hunting and fishing trips so that he could share his deep-rooted love of South Dakota with those closest to him. Rich had a passion for the restaurant business, which began when he moved to Kansas City in 1976 and opened Minsky's Pizza one of the first of many restaurant endeavors. However, he is best known for The Peanut, a place where Rich and his wife Melinda enjoyed working hand in hand for over 25 years. He most loved being "Mr. Cool" to his five grandchildren, Charlie Dunne (3), Samuel Whiteside (2), Christopher Tarzon (2), Darcy Dunne (2) and Lily Tarzon (4 months). He was preceded in death by his grandparents R.H. Brewer and Minnie Hutton Brewer of South Dakota, Alma and Francis Kenny Sr. of Nebraska and his father Francis Kenny Jr. of Omaha, Neb., and his mother Lois Kenny of Omaha, Neb., and Kansas City, Mo. He is survived by his wife Mary Melinda Kenny; his children Carrie Kenny Tarzon of Wilmette, Illinois, Nicole Kenny Dunne of Wichita, Kan., Garette Amis of Arlington, Texas and Aaron Whiteside of Leawood, Kan.; sister Susan Kenny Fowler of Taos, New Mexico; brother Robert Kenny of Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Mass of Christian Burial will be Friday, February 2, 11 a.m., at St. Peter's Catholic Church, 6415 Holmes Road, Kansas City, Mo. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to PanCAN, 2141 Rosecrans Ave., Suite 7000, El Segundo, CA 90245, (877) 272-6226, www.pancan.org. We wish to thank the doctors and nurses at M.D. Anderson in Houston, Texas, St. Luke's Hospital and Hospice in Kansas City for their care and support. Rich's well-known sense of humor and zest for life will be carried on forever through his family and friends. Arrangements by: Muehlebach Funeral Home, (816) 444-2060.
Read MoreNicole,
I am so sorry to hear about your dad. My dad passed away from leukemia last year and I work with cancer patients now, so I know how tough this is. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Kristin (Knightley) Moshier
February 15, 2007 | Chicago, IL
Dear Melinda, Carrie, and family,
I went to St. Teresa's with Carrie and Nicole and met Rich once or twice in the peanut, but heard wonderful things about all of you during my friendship with Carrie in Chicago. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time, as I know it is sad and difficult.
Carol Phelps
February 13, 2007 | Houston, TX
Dear Melinda,
When G-d made Rich he broke the mold. Rich was all things to everybody. Most of my memories of Rich go back to the early 80's when we officed across the street from the Peanut on Main. He always asked me to bring him horse hair,(red) to tie flies for fishing. And ofcouse there was the video juke box that he let us plug in that never worked very well. Thru it all, Rich always had that special sence of humor. I hope you are doing ok, let me know if there is anything we can do...
fred kahn
February 12, 2007 | Bucyrus, KS
Melinda & The Peanut Family we have you in our thoughts and prayers. We will miss Rich greatly! We have always made a trip to the Peanut to see Rich when we are in KC visiting, what great times! And many,many laughs.
Our condolences.
Lissa & Chris
Lissa Rathke
February 10, 2007 | Monkey Island, OK
Melinda and Family
I go way back to that Minsky's on 51st and Main as hostess and busser. I had such fun. In the 90's when I lived there and worked downtown, I would see Rich often and, of course, would endure the customary razzing when I saw him. I heard about his illness and when in town this past August, made an effort to get to The Cashew where I was told I was just two steps behind him. Alas, I never caught up with him. Anyway, my heartfelt condolences for your loss. Peace to you.
Holly D. White
February 07, 2007 | Dallas, TX
Melinda & The Peanut family. Rich's spirit and zest for living were contagious. His sharp wit had that edge that all Peanut regulars loved and envied. The stories are too numerous to tell but it is safe to say we will be telling them and laughing at them for years to come. We loved him, he is already greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Mike and Sandy Chism, Shawnee, KS
Sandy Chism
February 06, 2007 | Shawnee, KS
Melinda & Family: We were so sorry to hear of your loss. You have our deepest sympathy, and may God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Kent & Linda Stancliffe
February 06, 2007 | Topeka
Dear Melinda and Family,
You are in my thoughts and prayers now and always. May your hearts keep dancing and and your spirits be lifted as you live with the memories of one of the greatest and most generous men I have had the pleasure of knowing. He has given so much to so many. If we all take what we received from Richard Alan Kenny, the sun will always shine in our hearts.
God Bless.
Anne Quinly
Anne Quinly
February 05, 2007 | Fairway,, KS
My memories of Rich are so numerous and every one of them makes me smile - even if didn't at the time!!. It's a true rarity to have that quality. Rich brought out things in others that no one else dare even try. He was a force, and I am fortunate to have been affected. He of course will be missed, but he also will be present in thoughts and memories constantly. My sincere prayers for Melinda, all his family and friends, and all who came in contact with him to see the joy he brought us...
Linda Williams
February 04, 2007 | Kansas City, MO
