CHARLIE & DOROTHY KENNEDY
Charlie and Dorothy Kennedy have been members of First Christian Church, Manhattan, since they moved to town in 1967. Having moved several times before coming to Manhattan, Dorothy said that they always checked the location of the church before they purchased a home to live in. Charlie and Dorothy and their son, Craig (who now lives in Emporia) lived on Thurston Street for 32 years before they moved to Meadowlark Hills. They say that moving to Meadowlark was the best of all the moves they ever made.
Both Charlie and Dorothy worked when they came to Manhattan – Charlie as office manager for Acker Electric, and Dorothy at Endacott Lighting. They became very active in our church and served in many capacities including chairing the Worship Committee for several years, and Charlie is currently a Life Elder. They both look forward to Vespers on Sunday evenings, and are always very proud when Pastor Neil conducts the service and enjoy also the services when he bring church musicians with him.
While still able, Charlie and Dorothy liked and did a lot of traveling. One of the more memorable trips was to Disneyland. (How many of us can say that?!) They also traveled south to see Carlsbad Caverns, and as far east as Massachusetts where they went to see the splendor of the changing leaves in the fall, and even sat and meditated on Plymouth Rock.
Now some things you may not know about them. Charlie was in the Army during WWII, and was on a ship headed for the war front in Europe when the war ended. Just before the ship arrived at its port, an announcement was made over the loud speakers that the war was over. The ship made a big lunge and immediately turned around and headed back for New York. Hooray! Good news for Dorothy, too, as they were able to get married then in 1947.
Charlie’s last job, before retiring, was that of bailiff for the Riley County District Court. He served in that capacity for 16 years and had the distinction of being the last working bailiff in Kansas when he retired. He was not only the bailiff but also the court jester and I am told that the courthouse has not been the same since he left. They all still miss him dearly.
Dorothy, even after moving to Meadowlark, is quite a socialite. She knows everybody there and just about everybody knows her. You will not find a more caring person. Charlie has lost his sight and most of his hearing, but he and Dorothy still like to receive visitors. If you will take time to visit them at Meadowlark Hills, we promise that your life will be enriched.