CONNOLLY, KEVIN THOMAS, 69 , passed away on January 2, 2021. Kevin was born on June 30, 1951 in Fremont, NE to Patrick Leo and Joan Francis "Mulready" Connolly. He moved to Topeka, KS at a young age and attended school there until high school when the family moved to Wichita, where he would graduate from East High in 1969. Kevin was a man of experiences and enjoyment and strived to live each day how he wanted to. A traveler at heart, he hitchhiked at a young age to California where he worked at the Air Force Base and stayed with his brother while attending Community College. He earned the nickname "Cosmic" there and enjoyed playing guitar. Kevin spent time all over the country; some in the NE where he was a Safety Scuba Diver & Instructor and helped perform search and rescue missions in the lakes of Idaho and even spent time in Daytona Beach working on a Skyrise where he became a supervisor. He worked in Construction his whole life and later even had his own handyman service; teaching his son his love of construction as well. Later in life he enjoyed fly fishing, nature; especially sunsets; and photography to savor his experiences. He moved back to Kansas just before he turned 60 because he wanted to "slow down". He became an awesome grandpa to his grandkids. Spreading his love for music and art, especially with Meeghan. He loved attending their activities, events and sports; even though sports weren't his thing. Kevin never lived within constraints he always lived life on his own terms.

Kevin is survived by his children Tara Connolly Carmichael, Mariah Connolly, James Connolly(Jennifer) and Chris Connolly; siblings Rick Connolly(Lora), Eileen Clark (Mitch), Mary Thomas(Larry) and Debbie Koerperich (Kim); grandchildren Declan Carmichael, Keir Carmichael, Violet Zumwalt, Charlotte Zumwalt, Oliver Zumwalt, Meeghan Connolly, Fisher Connolly, Shai Connolly and Joey Connolly; his long time family friend Karen Bullard and many cousins, nieces, nephews, family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents Patrick and Joan; and infant brother and siblings Dan, Colleen and Sean.

A memorial gathering will be held at a later date to celebrate Kevin's life.