Ralph Elston Kendall, Sr.
February 26, 1939 - December 27, 2021
Ralph Elston Kendall, Sr., age 82, of Middletown, DE, passed away on Monday, December 27, 2021.
Born in Chestertown, MD, on February 26, 1939, he was a son of the late Elston Elwood and Mary Gladys (Skeggs) Kendall. Ralph graduated from Chestertown High School where he met his high school sweetheart, Wanda. After marrying, they moved to Middletown in 1961 to be closer to his work. Ralph worked as a supervisor for Globe Union (Johnson Control) for more than 30 years. In their spare time, he and Wanda enjoyed collecting antique glassware, going to yard sales, and having rental spaces where they sold many of their great finds and bargains. Their most cherished times were spent with family. Prior to Wanda’s passing, they enjoyed going to the Sudlersville (MD) Senior Center where they spent many Thursday evenings playing cards and enjoying the live music.
Dedicated to his community, Ralph was a lifetime member of the Volunteer Hose Company of Middletown, Station 27. He was an avid Orioles and Ravens fan. Ralph’s greatest joy in life was his family. He will always be remembered as a devoted husband, loving father, cherished grand and great-grandfather, wonderful brother, uncle, and dear friend to many.
In addition to his parents, Ralph was preceded in death by his loving wife of 55 years, Wanda (Reynolds) Kendall; and sisters, Virginia Shaw and Frances Lee Kendall. He is survived by his children, Ralph E. Kendall, Jr. and Kathy Lloyd (Scott); grandchildren, Erin Lloyd (Aaron Ames), Kristin Lloyd, Jeff Kendall (Ruth) and Amy Kendall (Josh Simpson); great-grandchildren, Jewel Ames, Ashlyn Ames, Briana Ames, Kaylee Baker, Valerie Kendall, Kilian Murray, Charlotte Kendall, Lydia Kendall, and Eleanor Kendall; siblings, John Kendall (Helen), George Kendall (Anne), Phyllis Wallace (Paul), and Bernice Biddle; brother-in-law, Ralph Shaw; and several nieces, nephews, and dear friends.
A visitation for family and friends will be held from 10 am until 12 pm on Tuesday, January 4, 2022 at Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 275 East Main Street, Middletown, DE, where a funeral service will begin at 12 pm. Face coverings will be required for all those in attendance not immunized with the COVID-19 vaccine. Interment will follow in Forest Cemetery, 2025 Cedar Lane Road, Middletown, DE.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Ralph’s memory to his family.
Gene & terri smith
You are in our thoughts & prayers.
Willie Gravatt
God Bless Rest in peace .
Bob & Debbie Nickerson
Thoughts and prayers are with all of Ralph’s family. We will treasure the memories of all the family gatherings over the years.
Rick Thompson
Sorry to learn of Ralph’s passing. I enjoyed Ralph’s visits at the DC; he will be missed. Rest In Peace.
Nick Albia Jr
I remember Ralph when I worked at Globe Union back in the 70’s. He was an all around good guy and will be missed by all who knew him and loved him! RIP my friend.
larry lang
prayers and condolences
George Husfelt
Ralph was my neighbor when he and Wanda moved to Middletown. He was a great person always willing to help anyone. Prayers to Ralph jr and Kathie and family.
Donald L. Biddle
Ralph Jr. and Family :
I am so Sorry for your Loss. I enjoyed working with your Dad Fighting Fires in the MOT area, when He was an Asst. Chief with the Volunteer Hose Company of Middletown. May your Dad’s memories help ease the heartfelt pain at this most difficult time. Thank You for your Service to the Delaware Fire Service and God Bless, Mr. Kendall.
MADELINE JOINES
OUR PRAYERS ARE WITH YOR FAMILY AT THIS TIME OF SARROW. RALPH WAS A GOOD FREIND AND A GOOD FORMAN TO ME WHILE I WORKED AT JOHNSON CONTORLS.
Donald L. Biddle
Ralph Jr. and Family :
I always enjoyed Seeing and Working with Mr. Kendall when He was an Assistant Chief with the Volunteer Hose Company of Middletown or when having an EMS Response at Globe Union. Seeing him the Medical Department. I hope His memories will help ease the Heartfelt pain at this most difficult time. RIP Mr. Kendall and God Bless!
Cathy Raphael
How sad to lose such a VERY nice man and fellow antique dealer! He and Wanda were terrific people – and have been missed in the antique crowd ever since Wanda’s passing (and their leaving Old Tyme Antiques & Gifts in Newark). Their closeness to each other made a strong example of what a good marriage really is, and even though Ralph came back once to visit at the old shop – things were never the same without BOTH of them. REALLY GREAT people – and that was no surprise – as we folks from Chestertown are special!!
Phyllis K. Wallace
I was fortunate enough to have Ralph as a brother. Paul and I miss him terribly but I know he is with God and at peace.