Jack Kenny

Franklin (Jack) Kenny

Jack Kenny 93, of West Dundee, Illinois, formerly of Decatur, IL, passed away peacefully, Sunday, November 8, 2026, with his daughters by his side.

Jack, an esteemed principal, celebrated coach, community servant, beloved husband, father, grandpa and great grandpa was born March 15,1933 in Covington, IN, the son of Mable Ruth (Jackson) Kenny and Robert Earl Kenny. He was born the 8th of ten children; Jack had 6 sisters and 3 brothers. He graduated from Covington High School in 1951, where he was a star on both the basketball and baseball teams.

Jack went on to attend Eastern Illinois University, continuing his success as a student athlete. While pursuing a Bachelor’s in Business Education, he made quite a name for himself as an EIU Panther. Jack not only played on the basketball team, but his success as a pitcher on the baseball field (including pitching the first ever no-hitter recorded for Eastern) got him noticed and drafted to the Kansas City A’s Farm League after his graduation in 1955. His professional aspirations were cut short when he enlisted in the Army, September 1955.

But the true victory of his time at Eastern came in February of his senior year, when he met his wife, Joan. They fell in love and were married on December 11, 1955, at Grace Methodist Church, where he was a lifelong member, serving on many committees throughout the decades.

Jack continued to fulfill his duty to the country by playing on the Army’s baseball team and Joan returned to school to finish her degree.

Returning home from the Army in 1957, Jack took a position teaching business education at Stephen Decatur High School where he taught and coached many successful teams until 1969. In 1969, he became the district's Director of Material Services. The following year, Jack was assigned principal at Lakeview High School, serving there until being appointed principal at Stephen Decatur High School in 1974. He remained in this role for 18 years, where he greatly enjoyed attending school sponsored activities. During his long tenure as a teacher and coach, Jack coached baseball and golf and led the boys’ basketball teams to numerous state championship final appearances.

Over his 35 years with the Decatur Public Schools, Jack advanced his own education, earning his Master’s degree and his Superintendent Certificate. He also accumulated many
Honors, including the Excellence in Coaching Award in 1966, the Coach of the Year in 1967, and was inducted into Decatur Athletic Hall of Fame in 2018.

After retiring from his career in education, Jack stayed involved in the community, serving 28 years on the Decatur Park Board, driving the church van for Grace Methodist Church, volunteering as a Big Brother, and volunteering for the Decatur Convention and Visitor’s Bureau along with many other organizations and causes across Decatur. He enjoyed time with his many friends on the golf course and playing pool and eating cinnamon rolls with his buddies.

Of all his achievements, Jack was most proud of being a husband to Joan and father to his two daughters, Jan and Jill, who grew up joining their parents at countless high school activities. Jack later became an enthusiastic grandfather to his 5 grandchildren, driving to games, plays, recitals, graduations and celebrations of every kind. He and Joan made it a point to be available and present as much as they could. This extended to his role of great grandpa, too. Being “Jack The Great” to his great grandchildren was a particular joy.

Jack was appreciated by his students and staff, respected by his community and loved by his family. While we will miss his funny Jack-isms, boat rides on Lake Decatur, s’mores at Nelson Park, and hearing about his latest round of golf, we are grateful for the time we had with him and celebrate his life.

Jack is survived by his daughters Janet (Tom) Murray of Hoffman Estates, IL, Jill (Craig) Booher of Arlington, TX; grandchildren Margaret (Blaine) Hogan of Atlanta, GA, Colleen Murray of Hoffman Estates, IL, and T.J. Murray of Tampa, FL, Ryan (Tiffany) Booher of Joshua, TX, Jackie (J.C.) Tanner of Burleson, TX; great grandchildren Ruby Hogan, Eloise Hogan, Nora Hogan, Madelyn Booher, Landon Booher, Stetson Booher and Levi Tanner; and his baby sister, Gretchen Chambers.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 60 years, Joan Kenny, his parents, siblings Marie Allison, Marlis Davan, Mildred Woodrow, Pauline Snider, Bobby Kenny, John Kenny, Charlie Kenny, Nancy McDaniel and grandson, Corey Booher.
Visitation will be held Sunday, November 22, 2026, from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. at Brintlinger and Earl Funeral Home in Decatur. On Monday, a second visitation will take place from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. at Grace Methodist Church in Decatur, followed by funeral services at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow in Graceland Cemetery with full military honors conducted by the Macon County Honor Guard. Memorial gifts may be made to the Decatur Parks Foundation or Grace Methodist Church. Brintlinger and Earl Funeral Home, Decatur, is assisting the family with arrangements.
Condolences and memories may be shared with the family in care of Brintlinger and Earl Funeral Homes at www.brintlingerandearl.com.