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Howard F. Kendrick Jr., 84, of Klinger Lake, White Pigeon, passed away early Friday morning, Feb.11, 2011 at Sturgis Hospital.
He was born Aug. 8, 1926, in Springfield, Mass., a son of Howard and Agnes (Kaiser) Kendrick.
Howard had resided in Sturgis since 1948, coming from Kalamazoo. He was a graduate of Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, where he received a bachelor of science degree in business.
On June 20, 1948, he married Dorothy Jean Whipple at First Baptist Church in Kalamazoo.
Mr. Kendrick established, owned and operated Kendrick Stationer’s in Sturgis since 1948, which will continue to operate successfully and remain viable to the Sturgis community. Mr. Kendrick was a beacon of economic ingenuity and an unremitting community advocate. His assiduous dedication and commitment to his work only increased his love and loyalty to his family.
He was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church, where he had served as a trustee and elder.
Howard was also very active in the Sturgis community. Some of his involvements included; member and past president of the Sturgis Exchange Club, life member of B.P.O.Elks #1381, member of the Klinger Lake Country Club, he was a member of the volunteer fire department from 1949-1969 and had served on the City of Sturgis Zoning Board of Appeals. Mr. Kendrick also held memberships in the Meridian Sun-Eagle Lodge #49 F&AM, Knights of Templar, Columbia Commandery #18 and the Sturgis Shrine Club.
He was a licensed aviation pilot and had a passion for flying. Furthermore, he enjoyed boating, University of Michigan sports, vacationing in Florida and most importantly, spending time with his family.
He is survived by his loving and dedicated wife of 62 years, Dorothy Jean; one daughter, Sue Ellen (Kurt) Greenhoe of Quincy; one grandson, Drew Kendrick Hooley of Sturgis; one granddaughter, Amy Sue Greenhoe of Quincy; three sisters, Joyce, Carol and Delores; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; one daughter, Rebecca Kendrick Hooley; and one brother, Donald.
The family will receive friends from 2-5 p.m. Sunday at Hackman Family Funeral Homes Hackman Chapel, 114 S. Nottawa St., Sturgis. Funeral services celebrating the life of Howard F. Kendrick Jr. will be held at 1 p.m. Monday at the funeral home. The Rev. Robert Keim will officiate.
Entombment will follow the service at the Oak Lawn Cemetery Mausoleum in Sturgis.
The family suggests those wishing to make a memorial donation in Mr. Kendrick’s memory consider the SEA Memorial Scholarship Fund in memory of Howard Kendrick and Becky Kendrick Hooley c/o: Sturgis Public Schools 107 W. West St., Attn: Craig Evans, Sturgis, MI 49091.
His obituary is also at www.hackmanfamilyfuneralhome.com, where personal messages of support may be left for the family.
