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Kendall, Phillip L.

May 14, 1953 –
 February 12, 2017

Obituary

Maj. Phillip L. “Buddy” Kendall (ret.), age 63, passed away in February 2017 at his home in Irving, TX. Mr. Kendall is preceded in death by his wife, Becky, and survived by his three sons: Nicholas, Benjamin, and Derik. He is also survived by three brothers; Timon (Miriam) Kendall, Michael (Peggy) Kendall, and Tracy (Kim) of Lithonia, GA; five sisters; Jean (George) Smith, Phyllis (Rickey) Bonds, Angela (Wyatt) Garrett, Cheryl (Wallace) Sconiers, and Margaret (Reginald) Atkins. Mr. Kendall is a decorated veteran of the Persian Gulf War, highlighting a lengthy career in the Air Force. Born and raised in South Bend, IN, Phillip was the fourth child out of seven brothers and sisters. He graduated from the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, CO in 1975 before going on to complete undergraduate helicopter training in 1981. It was also during this period that he met and married Becky Melissa Jones on August 11, 1979. Upon finishing helicopter training, he began life as a helicopter pilot in Hampton, VA and as a search and rescue pilot in Keflavik, Iceland. Soon after, he completed Fixed Wing Transition Training in Del Rio, Texas in 1983. Through this, he began flying the C-130E. This is the plane he piloted for the rest of his military career. After stints in North Carolina and San Antonio (where he managed the Air Force Officers Training School), he went to Rhien Main Air Force Base as a C-130E Aircraft Commander/Instructor in 1988. It was here that he flew tactical training missions along the East German border and into West Berlin. It was also during this time that he served in the Persian Gulf War, providing Tactical Airlift Support in the Gulf for Desert Shield and Desert Storm from 1990 to 1991. He also provided humanitarian relief to Kurdish refugees in northern Iraq during this time. After his career in the Air Force, Mr. Kendall moved to Irving, Texas in 1993 where he raised his three sons. He became an inactive reservist and began a long career with Greyhound Bus Lines, working in several capacities. He retired in 2015 from Greyhound as a regional/national logistics manager. He was very proud of both his service in the military, his time at Greyhound and his family. A memorial service will be held on Friday, March 17, 2017 at 11:00 am at Oak View Baptist Church, 1004 S Story Road, Irving, Texas 75060.     Please send the family condolences and sign the guest book on this site. Arrangements are under the direction of: Aria Cremation Service & Funeral Home 1820 N. Belt Line Road Irving, Texas 75061 972-607-4400  

    Maxie Duane Bolden
    5 Mar 2017
    10:57am

    The friends and families of South Bend’s east side are sad to hear about the death of Phillip Kendall. He was one of many role models that inspired us with his achievements. I send condolences from the Boldens of Howard street.

    Keisha Bell
    8 Mar 2017
    11:52pm

    It is with great sadness to hear about the passing of Phil. He will be truly missed by his Greyhound Family.

    Natasha D.
    10 Mar 2017
    6:08pm

    It was a pleasure working with, Mr. Kendall, at Greyhound. He will definitely be missed. Prayers going up for the family.

    Shona Theus
    16 Mar 2017
    2:17pm

    It was pleasure working with Phil. He had a kind spirit and always treated me nice. Praying for the family during their time of bereavement. May he rest in heaven.

    Philip and Jacqueline Patterson
    17 Mar 2017
    3:49pm

    “I will look to the hills from whence cometh my help…my help cometh from the Lord”…May you look to the Lord for your strength, peace, comfort, hope, and love during this time…we love the Kendall Family and are praying for you….

    Sue Rekos Tyler
    26 Mar 2017
    8:13am

    I am sorry to hear of Phillip’s passing. I have wonderful memories of his friendship back in the 60’s working with him at A&W, my first job. It was so long ago, I think some of his siblings worked there as well, a wonderful family to know. Rest in peace dear Phillip. May his memory be eternal.

    Gail Thornberg Kiley
    28 Mar 2017
    7:38am

    I’m so sorry to read of Phil’s passing. I remember his quiet smile and strength on the football field and in the classroom at Adams HS. I know that he is missed.

    Diana Chamberlain
    28 Mar 2017
    7:43am

    So sad to learn of Phillips passing. Went to school with him from Kindergarten thru high school. Always a great guy and smart and kind. Never heard him utter an unkind word. Feel honored to have known him.

    Liz Kurman
    28 Mar 2017
    8:27am

    Few pieces of news about my high school classmates have saddened me as much as learning of Phil’s death. I remember him as the most unfailingly nice, sweet and polite guy in the Adams home room we shared for four years. My deepest condolences to the Kendall family.

    Doc Lee Ivey Jr
    28 Mar 2017
    8:50am

    Wow! He will be missed by many. I’m glad I had the opportunity to know philip. Went to John Adam’s high together (71). I remember him most from the Eagles football team. A good man from the start. RIP my brother. You are home now.

    Sharon Kasper Bergren
    28 Mar 2017
    9:19am

    What a great guy! I knew Phillip from John Adams High School. He was a football player. He was friends to everyone and always had a smile on his face. So very sorry to hear of his passing.

    Janine Ramsey
    28 Mar 2017
    9:30am

    Philip graduated from John Adams High School in south Bend, Indiana.. We were classmates. Philip was a very caring and honest person. His class mates will morn his loss. God bless you Philip and peace to his family !

    Marcia Futter
    28 Mar 2017
    10:05am

    My condolences to the Kendall family. I remember Phil as a really decent person with a good heart. It’s important for his children to know that he made a very positive and lasting impression on his high school classmates, even on those who haven’t seen him since high school graduation.

    Diana Chamberlain
    28 Mar 2017
    10:53am

    Phillip was my first boyfriend in first grade. He was black and I am white but neither of us were aware of color. He bought me a brush, comb and mirror set for Christmas that year. I remember that like it was yesterday. I went to school with Phil from kindergarten through high school where I just lost touch with him after graduation, though I knew he went into the Air Force. He was a fabulous guy and Heaven is blessed to have him. RIP sweet Phillip.

    Rosalind Alexander
    28 Mar 2017
    12:01pm

    Dear Kendall Family,

    I am so sorry to hear of your loss of Phillip. I met him long ago and haven’t seen him in a long time, but know that you all are in my heart and prayers.

    Jan McGregor
    28 Mar 2017
    12:02pm

    So shocked and saddened to hear of Phil’s passing. He was truly a wonderful person. We had several classes together in high school. He always had a ready smile and never heard him utter an unkind word. You will be missed by many. May God pour out his healing balm over your family at this time as they grieve a remarkable man.

    Ricky Cosby
    1 Apr 2017
    2:35pm

    Phil,

    Was a great man and a leader in my Academy Squadron. Thanks for helping all of us get through. We miss you already. Blessings to your family and GOD bless your sons and their children. Thank you for your service to the country and to USAF.

    Beverly Townsend Lindsey
    9 Apr 2017
    9:05pm

    Sorry to hear about the passing of a classmate & former Eastsider , praying for the family , may God bless you & keep you in His care …

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