Mr. John Kennyhertz

John J. Kennyhertz ?Kenny? passed away Monday, December 18, 2006. He was born April 6, 1910 in New York City to John and Elizabeth Kennyhertz, immigrants from Hungary. Growing up in Linden, New Jersey, he attended trade school to receive his radio operator license. He worked on ocean-going ships as a radio communications specialist. Joining Trans World Airlines in 1936, he flew in the cockpit as a 3rd officer. This was during the Howard Hughes era, whom he met several times. He flew combat missions for the U.S. Government during World War II. During his illustrious career he was traveling around the world to exotic places and meeting with world leaders including Chiang Kai-Chek and his wife. He met the love of his life, Lillian Boston an RN and TWA stewardess. They moved to Kansas City in 1949 and settled in Prairie Village where they lived for 48 years. ?Kenny? was truly an aviation pioneer and retired in 1974 after 38 years at TWA as the Director of Communications and Electronic Engineering. He flew on every kind of aircraft from propeller to the jets of his day.

John was an avid fisherman, ham radio operator, golfer and world traveler. He was a member of the Homestead Country Club and the Village Presbyterian Church since 1949.

Lillian, his beloved wife of 57 years preceded him in death in 1998. Survivors include two sons, John A. Kennyhertz and his wife Susanne, of Lenexa, KS, Dohn C. Kennyhertz of Overland Park, KS; and four grandchildren, Ashley, Johnny, Heather and Holly.

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