Charles Nellis Kennedy “Buck,” a resident of Gunnison from 1982 to 1999 and a resident of St. George, Utah, passed away on June 15, 2026. He was born on May 19, 1927, in Metropolis, Illinois to Nellis and Dora Womack Kennedy. He weighed 1 lb. 15 ½ ounces and his great grandmother said, “His name is way too long, I’m going to call him Buck.”
At age 10, Buck had a paper route. In 1943, the Nellis Kennedy family moved from Metropolis to Colorado Springs (due to his dad’s health). At age 16 Buck worked in a large grocery store in the meat market. Buck was a young businessman. Buck would get out of school at 3:20 and have his apron on by 3:30 to work behind the meat counter while finishing his high school diploma from Colorado Springs High School, which is now Palmer High School. After graduating from high school in 1944, Buck enlisted in the U.S. Navy. This was during WWII and after basic training, Buck headed for duty on the USS Riddle war ship serving the Pacific. It was short lived as the men were transferred to the USS Hansford. V-Day Sept. 2, 1945, and he was Honorably Discharged in 1945. He went home to Colorado Springs and met the love of his life, Mary Elaine Sheker. They were married from 1947 to 2018 and were together for 71 years. He pursued a 35-year career in civil service (Army Fort-Carson) including a three-year assignment in Germany before retiring in 1978.
Buck was most proud of his three children: Curt, Doug and Cindy, all graduating from the same college. Buck and his wife Mary loved the slower pace of life in Gunnison and was proud to be the recipient of “Yard of the Week” at their log home on North. 14th Street.
Buck was an excellent self-made businessman. At the age of 17 he saved a little money and invested in the stock market, losing some but learning from it. Buck continued to read the WSJ and stayed up on the market through his 99th birthday. Buck was also an excellent carpenter, mechanic and all-around handy man. He could fix anything. Plumbing, electrical, sewer lines, vehicle problems, you name it, he could fix it. He purchased several properties he fixed up and sold or rented depending on the market demand.
In 1956, Buck and Mary built a cabin in Alpine. They loved the great outdoors. Buck was a great mentor for his children. Following in his grandfather's footsteps (Charles Champion Kennedy) who Charles was named after, he quoted “Tell someone every day that you love them.” Buck did this indeed.
Buck is survived by his daughter, Cindy Kennedy Crosman (Rick); four brothers: Thomas L. Kennedy (Binnie), Richard L. Kennedy (Sharon), Jack L. Kennedy (Cathy), Patrick A. Kennedy (Lupe); sister-in-law, Pamela J. Sheker Clements; and daughter-in-law Lynne Petersen Kennedy.
Buck is preceded in death by his wife, Mary E. Sheker Kennedy; sons: Curtis C. Kennedy, Douglas A. Kennedy, baby Michael M. Kennedy; brothers: Baby Lloyd Ray Kennedy, Stephen A. Kennedy; and one sister, Virgie Kennedy Garrison. Buck had no grandchildren however he was known as “Uncle Buck” to 58 nieces and nephews and growing. Everyone who knew him liked his cheerful attitude, his jokes and never complained about his pain and loss of eyesight. We will miss you, Buck Kennedy.
Graveside services will be held Wednesday, July 15, 2026, at 10 a.m., at Fairview Cemetery, 1000 S. 26th Street, Colorado Springs, followed by a luncheon for family and friends at the Pinery at the Hill, 775 W. Bijou, Colorado Springs. Bring your memories of Buck Kennedy to share.
In lieu of flowers please donate to: Friends of the Troops c/o Jessica Duke, 2003 Holden Farm Place, Ooltewah, TN 37363.
Arrangements entrusted to the care of Metcalf Bonzo Mortuary, 435-673-4221. Visit www.metcalfbonzomortuary.com for condolences and funeral listings.
