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Craig 'Tex' Kennedy San Antonio, TX QCWA # 11507 |
Craig "Tex" Boden Kennedy passed peacefully from this life on October 3, 2011. He was born on August 10, 1924 to Custer B. and Magdalene Affholter Kennedy in Kerens Texas. Tex was preceded in death by his parents, mother-in-law Mary Rieper and wife Asuncion "Cionny" Kennedy. Tex is survived by his wife of 43 years, Edna Marie "Ed" Kennedy, sons Craig B. (Debbie) Kennedy, Edward (Nancy) Kneupper, Kevin (Mary) Kneupper and daughter Karen (Scott) Chambers, grandchildren Jeremiah Kneupper, Brandon Kneupper, Kevin (Kali) Kneupper, Matt Robbins, Ben Chambers, Stephanie (Chris)Miller, and Lora Robbins, and one great grandson Logan Miller. He is also survived by his sister Ann Stubbs and father-in-law Floyd Rieper.
Tex enrolled at Texas A & M University to study Electrical Engineering in 1941, joining the Army during his sophomore year. He served as a 1st Lieutenant in the Signal Corps, stationed in the Philippine Islands with the 86th Division until 1946. After his honorable discharge from the military, Tex worked for the Boliano Electronic Corporation in Manila where he became the vice-president in charge of engineering. One year later he built the radio station, KZOK, and became the engineering advisor for the Philippines Broadcasting Corporation. When the political environment in the Philippine Islands became unstable, Tex returned to Texas A & M University with his young family to continue his undergraduate work. While finishing his degree, Tex was employed by the electrical engineering department of the University to design, build and maintain laboratory equipment as well as sponsoring the Freshmen Ham Radio Operators Club.
In the early '50s he relocated to San Antonio to become the head of Security Service at Brooks Air Force Base. In 1955 Tex partnered with RCA and founded two-way radio communications in the San Antonio area. He opened Kennedy Associates and focused on commercial two-way and Ham Radio communications, electrical engineering and construction. The first Sigmor Shamrock gas stations in San Antonio were designed and built by the construction division of Kennedy Associates, led by Tex. Kennedy Associates operated successfully for over 50 years. Tex never retired, serving as the president of BKT Corp and staying active as a Ham Radio Operator until his death.
Just some of Tex' many memberships, certifications and associations include: member of the Philippine Amateur Radio Association, the Texas VHF-FM Society, the Japan Amateur Radio League, a Life Member of the Amateur Radio Relay League, a member of the Texas Board of Professional Engineers for over 50 years, Quarter Century Wireless Association, an Honorary Deputy Constable for Bexar County- Precinct 2, president of the San Antonio Bowling Association 1969-1970, president of the Six Meter International Radio Klub (SMIRK), served on the board of the Aransas Princess Condominium Association, National Association of Business Educational Radio, and licensed Master Electrician. Visitation/viewing for Tex Kennedy will be held at Mission Park Funeral Chapel, 1700 SE Military Dr, San Antonio, on Thursday, October 6th from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Service will be on Friday, October 7th at 4:00 PM with interment to follow.