Jerry B. Kendall

Nov. 30, 1941 - Apr. 19, 2017

MISHAWAKA - Jerry Bowles Kendall was born on November 30th, 1941 in South Bend, IN to Garold and Ruby (Bowles) Kendall.

Jerry proudly served his country in the United States Navy from August 1960 to August 1967. While in the Navy, he traveled to all but one continent, serving at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba during the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1961 and 1962. He also served as a River Rat in Danang, Vietnam in 1966 and 1967.

Jerry married the love of his life, Anna Belle (Millikan) Kendall on November 1st, 1969 in South Bend, IN. Jerry and Anna Belle had two children, Lisa and Garold whom they raised in Mishawaka, IN.

Jerry served the community with a job he held dear to his heart as a South Bend Firefighter. Jerry started his firefighting career on April 2nd, 1968 and retired on February 12th, 2007 after 39 years of dedicated service. Jerry started his career as a driver at Station 3, Ladder Truck 5. He finished his career as Captain Jerry Kendall of the Fire Prevention Bureau where he earned the beloved nickname “The Hammer” for his commitment to following the safety code to ensure the safety of his community.

Jerry's priority was always his family. He worked hard to provide a loving and learning environment for his wife and children. He made sure there was an annual family vacation to teach his children to love travel, history and nature. These trips created some of our fondest memories and years of laughs and stories that will carry on through generations.

Jerry lived his life serving others. He did this by serving his country, his family, his community and God. Jerry's faith was a very important part of his life. He took the time to make those around him feel important and loved. Most who knew Jerry would say he had a great sense of humor with impeccable timing. He had a knack for saying the right thing at the right time to lighten the mood and make everyone laugh.

Jerry was an avid reader who constantly sought out new knowledge. Jerry had a teacher's heart and loved sharing his knowledge with family and friends. He had a great respect for history and nature. One of Jerry's and Anna Belle's favorite activities was taking a drive to look for eagles, birds, deer and having a picnic lunch. Jerry was an accomplished hunter and outdoorsman. He so looked forward to his annual deer hunting trip to Kentucky with his son, R.T. and Ken. Jerry was a great fan of the Notre Dame Women's basketball team. He was a season ticket holder for 20+ years during which time he gained great friends and memories.

Jerry is survived by his wife of 47 years, Anna Belle (Millikan) Kendall; his children, Lisa (John Smith) Kendall and Garold (Laura) Kendall; his 4 grandchildren, Karly, Ashley, Jessica and Aaron; and his great-grandchild, Abigail. Jerry was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Margaret S. Kendall.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am Wednesday, April, 26, 2017 at First Presbyterian Church, 401 Lincolnway East, Mishawaka, IN 46544. Rev. Travis Winkler will officiate. Full Military Honors and graveside services will follow in Fairview Cemetery, Mishawaka. Friends may visit with family on Tuesday, April 25th from 2:00pm -8:00 pm at Palmer Funeral Home in River Park, 2528 Mishawaka Avenue, South Bend, IN 46615 and on Wednesday one hour before services at the church.

Contributions in memory of Jerry Kendall may be made to Wounded Warrior Project, 4899 Belfort Road, Suite 300, Jacksonville, FL 32256; First Presbyterian Church, 401 Lincolnway E., Mishawaka, IN 46544; or to Hoosier Burn Camp, P.O. Box 233, Battle Ground, IN 47920. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.palmerfuneralhome.com.

Published in South Bend Tribune on Apr. 23, 2017

04/14/2020 JFC