Daniel W. Kendall, 93

Daniel William “Bill” Kendall, 93, died at 11:05 p.m. on March 20, 2021 at Lima Convalescent Home, Lima.

Born on Jan. 13, 1928 in St. Marys, he was the only child of Ralph and Irma Kendall (deceased). On July 30, 1945, he married Elizabeth “Betty” Bensman who preceded him in death in 1999. He married Marilyn Freeman who died in 2019.

Bill first worked at the St. Marys Ohio Goodyear plant as a pipe fitter. In 1953, he moved to Lima to work for E.W. File Plumbing and Heating where he was assigned all repair and installation orders for the Lima City School District. He continued those responsibilities for the next 50 years for the school district.

In 1958, Bill started his own business, Kendall Plumbing and Heating. His wife, Elizabeth “Betty”, his father Ralph, and his two sons Mark and Mike, all worked in the family business over the years. In 2008, he retired and turned the business over to his son, Mike.

Bill loved outboard boat racing and he and his two sons traveled the circuit as professional hydroplane boat racers for many years. A visit to Bill’s home or office would invariably lead to a lap by lap description of his most memorable races! Bill will also be remembered for the special place he held in his heart for animals. For many years he fed and cared for them, both in the neighborhood and his home.

Survivors include a son, Michael Kendall of Lima; two daughters, Mattie (Terry) Hill of Mason and Marisa (Rick) Sites of Lima; stepchildren, David (Joan) Pence of Oregon, Ohio and Shari (Rob) Waltz of Lima; five grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; 11 step-grandchildren and 12 step-great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by a son Mark Kendall; a granddaughter Melissa Kriegel and a stepson, Wayne Pence.

A private family graveside service will be held at Gethsemani Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Condolences may be expressed to the family at Chiles-LamanFH.com.