Kevin James Kendrick

Kevin James Kendrick, 50 of Vanzant, MO passed away Thursday, January 22, 2026, at Mercy Hospital in Springfield, MO.

Memorial service will be at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, January 30, 2026 at the Loretto United Methodist Church, Loretto, NE with Rev. Lynde Linde officiating.  Visitation will be 1 hour prior to service time.  Inurnment will follow at Rose Hill Cemetery, Albion, NE.

Kevin James Kendrick was born on May 11, 1975, in Albion, Nebraska, with his twin brother Kirk, to Larry Kendrick and Cheryl (Johnson) Kendrick. He was raised in Loretto and graduated from Albion Public Schools with the Class of 1993. He went on to attend Iowa State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration/Management, graduating in December 1999.

On August 16, 1997, Kevin married Shanna Sizemore in Ankeny, Iowa. Though later divorced, the years they shared were part of the journey that shaped his life. Kevin lived in Ankeny and West Des Moines, Iowa, before moving to Mt. Grove, Missouri, and later settled in Vanzant, Missouri, where he lived until his death. He took quiet joy in the natural world and in the work of understanding it. Using his deep knowledge of animals and science, he could often be found checking cattle, studying the delicate balance of farm ecology, or wandering along rivers and mountain slopes, turning over rocks with curiosity and care. He loved learning how every part of a farm worked together, and he found real satisfaction in researching and improving everything he touched. He always wanted to make the world a better place.

Throughout his life, Kevin was known for his curiosity, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit. During college, he worked at AgLeader in Ames, Iowa, and later joined the team at Titan Tire in Des Moines, Iowa. He was the co-founder and chemist of Modified Asphalt Solutions, a role that reflected both his innovative mind and his passion for problem-solving.

Kevin's interests were as expansive as his imagination. He loved trivia, inventing, and dreaming big, and he had a natural gift for talking with people - he never met a stranger. A world traveler, Kevin embraced life with enthusiasm and a desire to see and understand more of the world around him. Kevin will be remembered for his bright mind and adventurous spirit. His presence, ideas, and laughter will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Kevin was a Christian and was baptized and confirmed at the Loretto Methodist Church, where he also attended in his youth. His journey of faith continued to the end of his days.

Kevin is survived by his mother, Cheryl (Carl) Johnson of Eagle Grove, Iowa; his brother, Kirk (Barbra) Kendrick of Vanzant, Missouri; and his sister, Michelle (Mike) Walters of Milan, Michigan. He is also survived by his nephew, Tyler Kendrick; great-nephew, Wyatt Kendrick; and nieces, Olivia and Ada Walters, along with aunts and uncles, several cousins, other relatives, and many many friends he considered family.

He was preceded in death by his father, Larry Kendrick; his grandparents, Ruth and Brandon Kendrick and Norma and Wendell Johnson; and his uncle, Brian Johnson.