Charles Leonard Kendrick Sr.

Life’s Reflection

Charles L. Kendrick walked the last mile of the way July 10, 2020.  His journey began May 18, 1930 in Stamps, Arkansas; the 11th of 13 children born to Elzada L. and Rev. Lumas A. Kendrick.  Charles accepted Christ as a member of County Line Baptist Church and was baptized in a farm pond by his father. He demonstrated an aptitude for building and repairing at an early age, which served him well, both personally and professionally, throughout his life.

Charles’ formal education began at Lafayette County Training School in Stamps.  At the age of 13 he moved to Tucson, Arizona to live with his oldest brother, Artis, then later moved to Denver, Colorado with other family members.  Charles enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1951. While stationed at Ft. Bliss, Texas, he served in the medical corps, specializing in dentistry. 

After his honorable discharge in 1953, Charles returned to Denver, where he had the exceptional good fortune to meet and marry Ernestine L. (Jones) Kendrick.  It was at this same time that Charles first encountered a Thermo King unit and the wonders of transport refrigeration.  This discovery led to a career that covered every aspect of transport refrigeration, starting as a service technician with a toolbox full of wrenches, and concluding as a District Sales Manager for Thermo King Corp. During his Thermo King career, Charles won several awards, beginning with Rookie of The Year in 1962 and culminating as District Sales Manager of The Year in 1987.

After retiring in 1990, Charles completed construction of a house on the family farmstead in Stamps, where he did most of the work himself.  He also realized the publication of his children’s book The Adventures of Lowboy & Friski, the tale of an Arkansas squirrel who is afraid of heights.  He rounded out his retirement with fishing whenever possible and travelling the world by land, sea and air with his beloved Ernestine. Charles and Ernestine have been members of Metropolitan Baptist Church, KCK, for over 45 years.

Charles was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Charmaine E. Bass; sons, Stanley C. Kendrick; and Charles L. Kendrick II; and grandson, Charles L. Kendrick III.  Also waiting to welcome him to Paradise are 7 sisters and 2 brothers.

He leaves to treasure his memory his wife of 66 years, daughters; Dianne Kendrick; Phyllis (John) Kendrick-Hale; sons, Gerald (Amber) Kendrick; and Gregory (Becky) Kendrick; sister, Othella Boykin; and brothers, Paul and Lumas (Darlene) Kendrick. His legacy will be carried forward by 7 grandchildren; 13 great grandchildren; and 1 great-great grandson.  He is also survived by a host of nieces and nephews who could always count on him for advice and support.

All who had the pleasure of meeting Charles were enriched by his warm and loving spirit.

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