Dale Arthur Kendle

Dale Arthur Kendle, 82, went home to be with his Lord on April 12, 2023. He was born in Paden City, WV to Melvin and Frances Kendle, the third of four boys.

He leaves behind his son, Andy (Evonne) Kendle; daughter, Beth (Tony) Widener; granddaughters, Brenna Widener and Maggie and Annie Kendle; elder brother, Earl Kendle, Sr. of Paden City, WV; many nieces and nephews, and friends and adopted family the world over, particularly in Australia and Jamaica.

Dale sang bass and was an accomplished trombone player recruited by all the armed service bands, but he fulfilled a promise to his father to attend at least one year of college. At Kentucky Christian College (University), he met both his vocation as a preacher of God’s word and the love of his life in the former Brenda Hall, who became his wife and partner in ministry.

Dale and Brenda settled in Smithville, IN after several other postings, where he pastored Smithville Christian Church for 17 years and they raised a family. He relocated to Chattanooga, TN in 1983 to begin full time missions work.

He spent stints as a missionary to the Virgin Islands, Haiti, and Australia but he found his missions home in Black River, Jamaica where he helped physically build and pastor Black River Church of Christ with his friend Brother Steve Brown. Dale’s relationship there continued for 35 years, and he took countless members of his home church here in Chattanooga, Hickory Valley Christian Church, with him to Jamaica where he demonstrated the love of God to all he encountered.

Dale was preceded in death by his parents, his beloved wife, Brenda Kendle, brothers Melvin “Bud” and Jimmy Kendle, with all of whom he is now reunited. More importantly, he is reunited with his Creator whom he faithfully served all his life.

The family wish to thank all those who loved him for their outpouring of support and especially the staff of Alexian Village on Signal Mountain, who showed him the utmost care and attention.

Romans 19:15 says, “And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!", and Dale did that on multiple continents. In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to Hickory Valley Christian Church or to the Jamaica mission trip via Duoloyi Ministries to assist those carrying on the spread of the gospel. 

Visitation will be from 4:00 to 8:00 on Sunday, April 16, 2023 and 11:00 to 12:00 on Monday, April 17, 2023 at Hickory Valley Christian Church. The funeral will be held at noon on Monday, April 17, 2023 with Jack Dyer, Lead Minister at HVCC, officiating.

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