John Kenyon's End-of-Life Fund

John Nathan Kenyon, 75, of West Deptford, NJ, passed away on January 9, 2025, after a battle with cancer. Born on October 13, 1949, in Nyack, New York, to Meta Marie (nee Peg) Kenyon and Rev. Donald J. Kenyon. John lived and raised his four youngest children in Puerto Rico before moving to West Deptford 11 years ago. He served as a Pastor at the Union Church of Mayaguez, Puerto Rico. John earned his Master of Divinity from Union Theological Seminary in New York City, his Master of Arts in English from the University of Kentucky, and his Bachelor of Science from the State University of New York Empire State College.

John was a man of many passions, including motorcycle riding, tinkering with car engines, playing guitar and singing folk songs, arguing with TV news personalities, and enjoying a good scotch whiskey. A dedicated chess player, he also found solace in writing and was the author of several fiction and nonfiction books. Writing consumed him, often leading him to spend entire days in his bathrobe, absorbed in his work with coffee and cigarettes as his only sustenance. Time often escaped him, and he was known to forget birthdays and even his own age.

His years in Puerto Rico were spent enjoying the beach and gardening. He was an aficionado of every beach on the western side of the island. Through diligence and patiences he was able to propagate hundreds of his favorite Apple Blossom Amapolo. His love for gardening continued to flourish when he returned stateside. He dedicated his garden to his children, especially Chaya. There were many flowers and shrubs that he devoted to her.

A man of deep faith, John was unwavering in his principles and belief in Jesus Christ. He was a strong supporter of efforts to provide clean water in Africa and found peace at the Huntersfield Christian Training Center in the Catskill Mountains, where he would retreat for reflection on God's Word. In his later years, he devoted much of his time to his Institute of Global Church Studies. A forum, whose reach supported churches and ministries throughout Africa, India and around the world.

John’s family extends heartfelt thanks to his boyhood friend, Hap, and his wife Kathy for their kindness and support during John’s illness. They also express gratitude to his friends Judy and Erik for their continued companionship during his difficult days.

John was predeceased by his eldest brother Timothy Kenyon and his brother-in-law Thomas Branks. He is survived by his sister Judith Branks, his brother Daniel Joel, his former wives Margaret Williams and Rhea Minter Kenyon, his children Leah Kenyon, Lisa (Tom) Kelly, Schuyler Kenyon ( her children ), Raquel Kenyon, Jonathan Kane Kenyon, and Chaya Kenyon, and his grandchildren Matthew Steger, Mick Juarez, Glen Steger, Kevin Steger, Benjamin Pabst, Leo Pabst, and Thaddeus Pabst. He is also survived by his nieces Karen (Ron) Nichols, Deborah Kenyon, nephews John Branks, Chris Branks, and Scott Branks, and numerous extended family members.