Tommy Kendall, 77, Boone, Iowa
BOONE, Iowa—Tommy (Tom) Maurice Kendall, 77, of Boone, IA, passed away on Monday, July 6, 2026. Tom was born on March 31, 1949, in Jefferson, IA, the first child of Maurice and Helen (Thornburg) Kendall. Tom grew up on a farm near Jefferson. As the oldest of three sons, he stayed close to his dad and helped with farm chores whenever he could. When Tom was eleven, the family moved to Jefferson. He spent his teenage years working at a grocery store and developing a fascination with hot rod cars. Tom was the first in his family to attend college, enrolling at Iowa State University, where he earned a B.S. degree in Industrial Education. It was there he met Phyllis Magner, the love of his life. They were united in marriage at First Baptist Church in Mason City, IA, on August 8, 1971, and were soon blessed with two sons.
Tom spent his entire 45-year professional career working for Skarshaug Testing Laboratories in Ames, IA, where he served as Production Manager until his retirement in 2014. Tom proudly served in the Iowa Army National Guard from 1971 through 1978, during which he received the Army Commendation Medal. He was an active member of First Baptist Church in Boone, serving as a Sunday School teacher for many years. Tom’s hobbies included woodworking, square dancing, and making improvements to the family’s home and yard. His greatest joy, however, came from spending time with his children and grandchildren. Before his passing, Tom courageously fought a prolonged battle with cancer and its lasting effects.
Tom was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Phyllis; two sons, Todd (Kristen) of Cadillac, MI, and Scott (Sarah) of Charles City, IA; five grandchildren: Paige Arnold of Minneapolis, MN; Lucas and Megan Kendall of Cadillac, MI; and Grace and Zeke Kendall of Charles City, IA; two brothers, Terry (Gayla) Kendall of Spirit Lake, IA and Ted (Cindy) Kendall of Chanhassen, MN; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 11, 2026, at First Baptist Church in Boone, with visitation from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. prior to the service. Interment will be at Hillside Cemetery in Sheffield, IA.
Memorials are suggested to the First Baptist Church of Boone.
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