Robert Kenly Webster

1933 - 2023

Webster

Robert Kenly Webster

Born May 16, 1933, in New York, NY, passed away on May 26, 2023 in Washington, D.C. at the age of 90. He is survived by his family, son Timothy Webster (Valerie Mann) of Arlington, VA, daughter Kimberly Webster (David Cella) of Evanston, IL, and adoring grandchildren Alexandra, Katherine, Maia, Kira, and Aiden. He was predeceased by his loving spouse of 60 years, Sally I. Webster.



Kenly's life centered around family, friends, and work with Washington, DC as home base for nearly 60 years. He grew-up in Englewood, NJ, graduated high school from Phillips Academy in Andover, MA, and attended Princeton University. After graduating in 1955, he had a two-year stint in the Navy, and then continued his education at the University of Virginia School of Law where he graduated in 1960.



Kenly had a storied legal career starting with the New York firm Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft. He then became a federal prosecutor in Washington, DC, and later served as Principal Deputy General Counsel and Acting General Counsel of the Army. He received the Army Distinguished Civilian Service Award, among other recognitions. Three phases of private practice followed Kenly's government service. Beyond legal work, he took pride in his role as a co-founder of Princeton AlumniCorps and board member of the Ron Brown Scholar Program.



We grieve the loss of his exceptional, inimitable character and spirit but also celebrate in knowing his legacy will continue to shape the many lives he touched. He was a man of great integrity, industry, tenacity, wisdom, humor, intellect, and accomplishment and truly lived a full life.



A memorial service will be held on June 24 at 3 p.m. at Joseph Gawler's Sons in Washington, DC. See Joseph Gawler's Sons website for service and donation information and a full obituary.