Barton H. Kennedy, Sr.'s Obituary
Barton “Bart” Halloway Kennedy Sr. Surrounded by his devoted family, Barton Halloway Kennedy Sr. passed away peacefully on Nov. 14th, 2025, in the home where he’d lived for fifty years. He was 82.
A fifth generation Ventura County resident, Bart grew up in Oak View and attended Ventura High School, Class of ‘61. After graduation, he began working in construction.
In 1964, when he was twenty-one, Bart married Vickie Lynn Morrow. Three years later, he was drafted and sent to Viet Nam. Bart received an honorable discharge from the Army in 1973.
He and Vickie bought a home with an orange orchard in Meiners Oaks for their growing family in 1975. Bart raised their 3 children in that home, offering them warmth, stability, and boundless love as a single parent.
Bart had a stellar work ethic and held himself to rigorous standards. His business, Finish Unlimited, consequently thrived. For several decades, he helped build and remodel hundreds of homes locally.
For recreation, Bart loved collecting, driving, and working on hot rods, old cars, trucks, and tractors. He relished being behind the wheel of his ’72 Chevy truck.
Affable by nature, Bart was quick to strike up a conversation and eager to tell a joke. He was also deeply compassionate and generous, glad to change a flat tire for a stranger or install someone’s hot water heater for free.
Bart is survived by his children: Barton Halloway Kennedy Jr. (Michelle); Gina Jere Kennedy Garman (Clint); and Kimi LeeAne Kennedy McKay (Brad); by his grandchildren: Drake, Kaylah, Sierra, Orion, Oni, Ryan, Bradley, Hailey, and Kaydin; by six great-grandchildren; by his brothers: Earl Kennedy and Russell Drummond (Mary); by his sister, Mary Stewart; and by many nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his beloved Australian Shepherd, R.J.
A public gravesite service for Bart will take place at 10:45 on Monday, Dec. 1st at Ivy Lawn Memorial Park in Ventura.
Those wishing to donate in Bart’s memory may wish to support one of his favorite charities through their web sites or by mailing a check to The Veterans Association of America or The Humane Society of Ventura County.
What’s your fondest memory of Barton?
What’s a lesson you learned from Barton?
Share a story where Barton's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Barton you’ll never forget.
How did Barton make you smile?
