KENNEDY, John Walter

Today's News-Herald, Lake Havasu City, AZ - Published Friday, September 2, 2011 - John Walter Kennedy Sept. 18, 1930 — June 5, 2011 John Walter Kennedy, 80, passed away June 5, at Sharp Memorial Hospital in San Diego with his wife, Rusty, and daughter Lynda at his side. He was born in Edmond, Okla., to John Spencer and Willie Mae Kennedy. John moved to San Diego as a young man and soon after joined the San Diego Police Department as a patrol officer. Over the years, he wore many hats. When the police had the ambulance, he was an EMT, which he also taught in the academy. Later, he was assigned to the bomb detail and in charge of the armory. He was also very involved with the police association as president and treasurer. Then, for the last 14 years of his service, he was in charge of one of the homicide teams; John was very proud of his team and its cancellation rate. All who knew him, knew that he would never ask you to do anything he would not do himself, and you could bet he would always stand behind you when he felt you were right. He loved children of all ages, guiding them when necessary. He was mentioned in several detective magazines as Jack Kennedy (not wanting his real name used.) Also in one of Joseph Wambaugh’s books he was known as “The Grumpy Old Sergeant.” One day when in the courtroom, the judge referred to John as Mr. Homicide. John retired in November 1985 after 33 years. He then went into business known as Kennedy Consulting, doing loss-prevention in the workplaces. Due to health problems, he again retired and moved to Lake Havasu City. He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Rusty; a sister, Pauline Hastings, of Edmond, Okla.; daughter, Lynda Pflueger, of Escondido, Calif.; son, Chuck (Joy) Caughey, of San Diego.; son, Martin (Cheryl) Kennedy, of Lake Havasu City; grandchildren, Karen (Jeff) Day, of Escondido, Calif., Crystal (Mark) Rowlands, of San Diego, Shawn (Ashley) Caughey, of San Diego, Kamara Kennedy, of Lake Havasu City; three great-grandsons, Ayden Rowlands, Ryan Rowlands and Kingston Caughey, all of San Diego; and many nieces and nephews, all residing in Oklahoma. John was a member of the Elks in San Diego, and after moving to Arizona, he transferred his membership to the Parker Elks, of which he was the Exalted Ruler 2002-2003. Memorial services will take place 2 p.m. Sept. 10 at the Elks Lodge 714 Laguna Ave., Parker, Ariz. For more information, call 928-669-2550.