David L. Kendall, 77, of Mount Carmel, Illinois, passed into Heaven on Sunday, October 18, 2026, at the Villas of Hollybrook, with the love of his family by his side. He was born on July 16, 1949, in Princeton, Indiana, the son of Clyde and Martina (Emmons) Kendall. David grew up and went to school in St. Francisville, Illinois, where he played sports as a “St. F. Saint” and was blessed growing up with family and friends. He married Jeanne Deckard on February 17, 1968, who was his high school love from the moment he walked her into their homecoming court sixty years ago and he declared, “I am going to marry that girl”. Together they were blessed with three children on earth and “three babies in Heaven” as he often quoted along with many grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Dave was a very hard worker from a young age. After marriage he worked at Babcock & Wilcox in Mount Vernon, then went out into the field as a boilermaker with Local 374, spending twenty years building and repairing power plants, including nuclear facilities. He later joined Mt. Carmel Public Utility, where he worked for twenty-seven years laying out and welding gas lines throughout Wabash County and the surrounding counties. Even after retirement, Dave continued putting his skills to work from his home shop for McPherson Outdoors, designing and building billboards and completing various projects for approximately ten years. He took pride in his work and enjoyed using his talents to help others.
Dave loved the Lord and his church and supported several ministries throughout the years. He attended St. Francis Xavier and St. Mary's Catholic Church and was deeply grateful for the ministry and prayers of Father Tony Ernst and Father Robert Zwilling, as well as the fellowship he experienced in the churches he attended throughout his lifetime. His faith was an important part of his life, providing him with joy and strength through life's many storms.
An avid Kentucky Wildcats fan, Dave enjoyed the good times that came with sports, golf, fish fries, playing cards, holidays, and family reunions. Above all, he treasured the time spent with family and friends, making countless memories filled with laughter. His big heart and wonderful sense of humor will never be forgotten. Dave had a way of bringing his energy and laughter into every room and every situation, whether life was easy or difficult. He believed in finding something to laugh about no matter what life brought his way, trusting that God would show him the way.
Dave's love, laughter, and generous spirit touched the lives of so many. His presence made ordinary moments special, and his ability to bring happiness to others was a gift that will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him. Though he will be deeply missed, his family and friends will forever cherish the memories they made together and the joy he brought into their lives. God truly gave him joy for his life and strength to endure through the storms of his life. His motto was, “find something to laugh at. No matter what, it’s there and God will show you”.
Dave leaves behind his beloved wife, Jeanne Kendall of Mount Carmel; children, Catherine Schroering and husband, Leon of Jasper, IN, John Kendall and wife, Lana of Mount Carmel, and Matthew Kendall and wife, Megan of St. Francisville; grandchildren, Courtney (Nathan) Hopf, Olivia (Jared) Young, Ashley (Kyle) Magee, Allyson (Garrett Maloney) Kendall, Abigail (Eliu) Maneiro, Mary (Will) Carsey, Jessika (Andrew) McGowan, and Jacob Lollis; great grandchildren, Avery Hopf, Cooper Hopf, Harper Hopf, Wade Magee, Clay Magee, Rowan Magee, Sophia Summers, Aaron Kasinger, and Isabelle McGowan; siblings, Roy (Karen) Kendall, and James (Kay) Kendall, Sherry (Gary) Kasinger; many loved cousins, nieces and nephews; extended family and friends.
Dave was welcomed into Heaven by his three babies in Heaven; his parents; sister, Matilda Mason; brother-in-law, Ben Mason, Sr.; nephew, Ben Mason, Jr.; brother-in-law, Tom Deckard; nephew, Tracy Deckard; parents in law, Bernard and Lourine Deckard; grandparents, William (Matilda) Emmons, and Patrick (Gracie) Kendall.
Family and friends are invited to gather for a Visitation from 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m., Tuesday, October 27, 2026, at St. Mary Catholic Church.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 1:00 p.m., Tuesday, October 27, 2026, at St. Mary Catholic Church with Fr. Robert Zwilling and Fr. Tony Ernst officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Lawn Cemetery in St. Francisville, Illinois.
Special thanks to all the prayer warriors who carried Dave and his family through more than five years of cancer and stroke challenges. The family extends a heartfelt thank-you for the love and support received from Villas of Holly Brook. The tremendous Angel Team and Rehab Girls who cared for Dave became like family and friends, providing comfort and companionship along the way. Many blessings and heartfelt thanks to the Residential Hospice team, whom the family believes God sent to them. Their exceptional care, compassion, and guidance helped the family navigate these last months filled with both smiles and tears.
Memorial contributions may be made in Dave’s memory to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. Envelopes will be at the funeral home or can be mailed to Keepes Funeral Home, 1500 North Cherry Street, Mount Carmel, IL 62863. Dave held a special place in his heart for children and understood the challenges of the cancer battles faced by both family members and himself.
Keepes Funeral Home is serving the family with the arrangements. To view Dave’s tribute wall, and leave condolences for the Kendall family, please visit www.keepesfuneralhome.com
