Ben Kennedy

Ben Paul Kennedy of College Station, Texas, passed away the same way he lived his life — in service to others. He had just finished conducting a funeral service, offering comfort and compassion to families walking through their darkest hour. His final moments were spent doing what he felt called to do: showing up for people.

Ben was born February 5, 1950 in Seminole, Texas, and grew up with a strong sense of purpose, faith, and community. He graduated from Seminole High School and later earned his bachelor’s degree from New Mexico State University, where he served as an athletic trainer. He went on to become the first person to serve in that role in the New Mexico public schools, blazing a path that others would follow.

Ben’s dedication to ministry led him to earn a two-year Bible degree from the Sunset School of Preaching, after which he served as the preacher for the Church of Christ in Crane, Texas. His career of service continued as an adult and juvenile probation officer and volunteer firefighter in Crane, and later as an adult probation officer in Andrews where he also served as a volunteer firefighter and Fire Marshal. In 1991, Ben moved to the Brazos Valley, where he joined the Texas Engineering Extension Service (TEEX) at Texas A&M University where he primarily taught Fire Investigation, Fire Inspection, and Public Fire Education. During his tenure at TEEX ESTI he taught approximately 50,000 emergency responders. After retiring, he felt compelled to continue serving others and spent almost 3 years working part time at Callaway Jones as a Family Service Specialist.

Throughout his decades of work in fire prevention and fire service training, Ben became a respected and beloved member of many professional organizations. He was a proud member of the SFFMA (where he served as Chaplain for 24 years), CTFFMA, ETFFMA, and TX IAAI organizations, and he cherished the friendships and professional family he found within the fire service community.

Ben and his wife Judy shared a remarkable life together. They were married on August 7, 1971, and spent 54 years building a partnership rooted in devotion, faith, and deep mutual respect. Their love was the steady center of their family and a testament to commitment and companionship.

Ben will be remembered for his enormous heart, commanding presence, and the steady comfort he could offer simply by walking into a room. He was patient, loving, and strong — both emotionally and physically. He was loyal, generous, and endlessly giving. His warm smile and quick wit made him a friend to many, and his circle was wide because he welcomed everyone into it.

At home, Ben was a devoted family man. His proudest accomplishments were raising and loving his children and being “Pappy” to his grandsons, who were the light of his life. His family treasures countless memories of time spent together, including his legendary Italian Thanksgiving dishes — a tradition everyone looked forward to each year. And no one will forget his classic “Ben-isms,” the funny quips and sayings that could make an entire room erupt in laughter.

Ben loved Aggie football, baseball, and women’s basketball, and he looked forward to the Little League World Series every year. The highlight of his year was his annual hunting trip with his grandsons. He also enjoyed cruising and traveling with his family, and found joy in cooking for others — another extension of his giving spirit.

Ben is survived by his wife of 54 years, Judy Kennedy; his son, Neil Kennedy, and Neil’s children, Holton Kennedy and Hudson Kennedy; and his daughter Jennifer Kennedy. He is also survived by his brother, Robert Holton Kennedy, and his nieces, Lani Kennedy and Erin Kennedy.

Ben was preceded in death by his son, Grant Holton Kennedy; his mother, Betty Kennedy; and his father, Guy Holton Kennedy.

Ben lived a life defined by service, love, laughter, and faith. Though he is deeply missed, his example lives on in the many people he comforted, guided, taught, and loved throughout the years.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in honor of Ben to the Coach Blair Charities benefiting Special Olympics or the Thomas Scott Moore Memorial Scholarship Endowment Fund.

A&M Church of Christ will be holding a livestream on their YouTube account.