Kenneth K. “Kenny” Kendle

Kenneth K. “Kenny” Kendle, 87, of Dover, died Monday, July 23, 2012 in Union Hospital at Dover following a period of declining health.

A son of the late Walter and Esther (Matthieu) Kendle, Kenny was born September 28, 1924 at Parral, Ohio.

Kenny attended Dover High School before enlisting with the United States Army Air Force on December 4, 1942. He served as a nose gunner on bombing missions during World War II. On July 25, 1944, his aircraft was shot down during the Linz Air Raid and he was captured as a Prisoner of War and imprisoned until his release on May 7, 1945. Kenny then received his honorable discharge on September 2, 1945.

Less than a year after completing his service to his country, Kenny married the love of his life, the former Vivian Mary Martin, on April 20, 1946 at Ashland, Kentucky. Together, the couple raised three sons, Rodney, James and Kevin.

He was employed as a mechanic and foreman with Vic Bazzoli & Son Inc. and retired after 35 years of service. Kenny was a member of the Dover Elks Lodge and a former member of the Dover American Legion.

Surviving is his wife, Vivian Kendle of the home; his sons and daughters-in-law, Rodney and Elizabeth Kendle of Alliance, Ohio, James and Joyce Kendle of Leland, North Carolina and Kevin and Jan Kendle of Dover; his grandchildren, Nickolas and Matthew Kendle both of Dover, Monika (Ed) Yadrnak of Louisville, Ohio, Teresa (Dan) Metzendorf of Medina, Ohio and Amy (Casey) Wright of Salem, Ohio; great grandchildren, Logan and Zachary Yadrnak, Owen and Lauren Wright and Landon Metzendorf; two sisters, Doris Sarbaugh of Zoar and Edna Dunfee of Dover; a brother, Donald (Joanne) Kendle of Marion, South Carolina and numerous nieces and nephews.

Kenny was preceded in death by his parents; an infant daughter and son, Linda and Arthur Kendle; a sister, Harriet Eash and a brother, Walter Eugene Kendle.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, July 26, 2012 from 5 to 8 p.m. in the Geib Funeral Center at Dover. A service celebrating Kenny’s life will be held on Friday, July 27, 2012 at 10:30 a.m. in the funeral home with Deacon Ron Fondriest officiating. Burial will follow in Dover Burial Park. Following the committal service, a luncheon will be held in the Hospitality Room in the Geib Funeral Center.

Those wishing to do so may send the family a personal condolence and light a candle in remembrance of Kenny by visiting the funeral home website.

Contributions may be made in Kenny’s memory to a charity of one’s choice.