| Shelby has lost a local war hero. John Marion “Lum” Kendrick, 90, passed away on Thursday, April 19, 2012 at Peak Resources in Shelby. A native of Cleveland County he is the son of the late William and Susan Kendrick. A Navy fighter pilot in World War II, Mr. Kendrick flew F6F “Hellcats” off the decks of the USS Bataan and the USS Langley while serving in the Pacific. He made the maiden voyage of the USS Bataan in August 1943. For Mr. Kendrick, the fun and frolic was squeezed in between more than 280 flights off aircraft carriers, many of which were combat flights. Not wanting to be a walking soldier he joined the Navy in May of 1942. He was a member of Air Group 97. He went to flight school and was commissioned an ensign. He left the Navy as a lieutenant. For his bravery, Mr. Kendrick was awarded two distinguished flying crosses and the air medals. He received a gold star in lieu of his second flying cross. After the war Lum came back to Shelby and opened up Kendrick Esso/Exxon station which later became Kendrick Citgo located at 326 East Marion Street in Shelby. He was an active member of First Baptist Church. He loved gardening, flying, and was a classic car buff. Lum was a kind and generous man, often helping out others in need. One thing about him, “no” was never a part of his vocabulary.
Mr. Kendrick is survived by his loving wife of over 60 years Bette Giles Adam Kendrick, his daughter, Sue Kendrick DeCuzzi of Salisbury; his son, John M. Kendrick, Jr. and wife Jan of Shelby; brother, Roy Kendrick and wife Jane of Charlotte; grandchildren, Amy Hope Mann of Roanoke Rapids, NC and John Adam Kendrick of Cincinnati, OH; great granddaughter, Elizabeth Susan Bell Mann of Roanoke Rapids, NC.
A celebration of life service will be held at 2:00pm on Sunday, April 22, 2012 at the Chapel of Cecil M. Burton Funeral Home and Crematory with military rites. The family will receive friends immediately following the service at the funeral home. The Rev. Tony Tench will be officiating.
In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials be made to First Baptist Church, 120 N. Lafayette Street, Shelby, NC 28150.
Cecil M. Burton Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the family of Mr. Kendrick.
Guest Registry is available at www.cecilmburtonfuneralhome.com
Printing in: Shelby Star (Paid w/pic); Charlotte Observer A-615 (Free); Gaston Gazette (free)
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