He was born on November 7th, 1931, in Adrian, MO, a son of Eddie Louis and Gladys Kendrick of Adrian, MO. Don married Laura “Louise” Kendrick on March 23, 1953 and to this union a son and daughter were born.
Don was a graduate of Adrian HS and worked on his family farm before moving to Warrensburg, MO where he worked for Town and Country Shoes and Harmon Electronics. He started D&R Disposal Service and ran a successful, local business for nearly two decades.
Don and Louise were lovers of family, friends, and bluegrass music. They enjoyed traveling to music festivals in their camper. Don was a talented musician and was passionate about writing and recording his own bluegrass songs resulting in several of his own CDs. He not only sang, but also taught himself to play the fiddle, guitar and Mandolin. He shared the gift of his music by playing with his band of “Pickin’ Friends” at nursing homes and local businesses.
Survivors include his son and daughter-in-law Ronald Lavern and Brenda Kay Kendrick of Versailles, MO, daughter and son-in-law Pamela Jean and William Black Sr. of St. Joseph, MO; three siblings Thelma Silvers of Nevada, MO, Wilma Naeger of Mountain Hope, AR, and Esther Brown of Belton, MO, brother-in-law John Nichol of Warrensburg, MO, sister-in-law Donna Nichol of Warrensburg, MO; his grandchildren, Kari and Ralph Johnson, Nicole and Bret Thogmartin, Brian and Tammy Akers, Andrew and Sheri Kendrick, Matt and Kaydee Kendrick, Amy and Todd Edgar, Chad and Cami Ballew, Ron and Grace Black, Billy and Ashley Black, Jimmy and Lynette Black, Charlie and Kelly Black, and Michael Black, and many great grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.
In addition to his wife, Louise, he is preceded in death by parents Louis and Gladys Kendrick, brothers Jim, Kenneth, and Eddie; sisters Bealah, Beatrice, and Barbara; brother-in-law Bob Nichol; sister-in-law Joan Nichol, sister-in-law Lucille Woodson, brother-in-law Bob Woodson, brother-in-law Walt Hartsell, brother-in-law Kenny Hilbus, sister-in-law Joretta Kendrick; and great-grandson Tate Thogmartin.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, August 12, 2019 at Sweeney-Phillips & Holdren Funeral Home with Pastor Roger McKee officiating. Interment will follow in Warrensburg Memorial Gardens Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Brian Akers, Andrew Kendrick, Matthew Kendrick, Bret Thogmartin, Ralph Johnson, and Ron Black. Honorary pallbearers will be Drew Thogmartin, Trey Johnson, and Nick Akers.
The family will receive friends from 10 a.m. until service time Monday at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions are suggested to Crossroads Hospice and can be left in the care of the funeral home.
