Skip Kennedy
History and Archeology Enthusiast
4/13/44 – 8/18/05

It was the Dog Days of Summer. Under a sweltering sun at historic Live Oak Cemetery south of Austin, a crowd of friends and family gathered to say good-bye to Former TAS President Skip Kennedy. Guests squeezed under the big green tent or in small spots of shade created by umbrellas and sun hats to hear about the life of a man who will not be forgotten by his many admirers.

Skip was born Glenn Wallace Kennedy, Jr. on April 13, 1944 in Austin, Texas, at the old Seton Hospital. He attended Austin Public Schools and the University of Texas where he was a proud member of the Longhorn Marching Band. It was at UT that Skip was first introduced to archeology/anthropology, through a class taught by Jerry Epstein. Years later Skip discovered the writings of Danny Fox and Tom Hester, and then he was hooked!

As time passed, Skip held several offices for the Coastal Bend Archeological Society, and was honored for his participation in the Texas Archeological Stewardship Network. In service to TAS, Skip was at various times on the Internet Committee, the Fiscal Overview Committee, and the Nominating Committee, Regional Director for Region 7 and most notably TAS President for 2001. He also organized two Annual Meetings in Corpus Christi, but serving on the Field School Committee was the job that brought him the most joy. Skip truly loved Field School.

In his own words Skip said, “I have recorded and worked on many sites in South Texas doing both excavation and survey. I have had the privilege to work with many professional and avocational archeologists. I prefer historic archeology. I enjoy researching about historical sites then going out and proving them in the field. Archeology and history certainly complement each other and I have used that premise many times in giving lectures and programs in the coastal bend area.”

Many of his TAS friends have commented that he never turned down a request for assistance. From helping to change the tire of a Field School participant on a muggy Victoria day to slogging through the mud looking at sites, Skip was there to offer a hand (or whatever it took). As Margaret Howard, who followed Skip as TAS President said, “Skip was always ready to jump in the truck and show you an area he had studied, no
matter how miserable conditions might be. In 1995 our [TPWD] crew trudged across the soggy back part of Mustang Island State Park as Skip led us to a site he had discovered long before GPS had eased navigation of that changing landscape. Skip embodied the best of the Texas avocational archeologist: boundless energy, attention to detail, and willingness to put pen to paper to make sure the information he discovered would go
on record for future study.”

Skip’s sense of humor was legendary; many a Field School attendee admired the aplomb with which he wore (and acted as master of ceremonies while wearing) one of Andie Comini’s cow suits. His inevitable upbeat attitude made working with him a joy.

In recent years, Skip enjoyed researching his family history and attended many family reunions. He also was a member of the Sons of the Republic of Texas, the San Antonio Living History Association, the Nueces County Historical Commission, and the Southern Texas Archeological Association. His mother, Estelena Kennedy, preceded Skip in death. He is survived by his wife Beverly Kennedy of San Antonio; daughter, Tricia Kennedy of Corpus Christi; and father, Glenn W. Kennedy, Sr. of Creedmoor.