John Raymond Kendall, born July 30, 1979, in Independence, Missouri, left us all too soon on July 10, 2026, in Kansas City, Kansas. His name echoes with the sound of laughter, the thunder of engines, and the genuine warmth of a big-hearted soul who lived fiercely, loved deeply, and left an indelible mark on everyone lucky enough to know him.

Raised in a family where wit and grit were never in short supply, John inherited all the best traits—he was, proudly and unapologetically, “a mama’s boy,” fueled by a stubborn sense of loyalty that was matched only by his orneriness. The light of his world was his family, and in return for a life filled with pranks and goofiness, he gave endless affection—his love always fierce, steadfast, and without condition.

As a heavy equipment operator and construction laborer, John made hard work look easy. He spent many years at Linaweaver Construction, where his hands met soil, stone, and steel—sculpting a living, shaping landscapes, building something that would last. To his colleagues, he was the heartbeat of the crew, bringing humor and camaraderie to every job site. For John, “go-getter” was more than a label; it was the only way to live.

With friends and kin, John was the ultimate prankster, always ready with a sly grin and a mischievous plan. His humor was infectious, turning the darkest moments into bearable ones, the ordinary into extraordinary. He loved camping and fishing, embracing the call of the wild, and could often be found racing along muddy trails or roaring down the road in a lifted truck. There was hardly a mud run he’d pass up, his loyalty to the Green Bay Packers as notorious as his taste for adventure.

But nothing compared to the pride he felt at becoming a father—the birth of his son was his proudest accomplishment, outshining any trophy or accolade. John raised Axl with the same boundless love and guiding mischief that defined his own life. As a father to Axl, and as a guiding presence for his daughter Adysun, step-daughters: Chyna and Janalynn, John’s legacy is stitched through their lives like golden thread.

He leaves behind a large and loving family: his mother Peggy Bietka, father John Martin, son Axl Kendall, daughter Adysun Trentham, sister Jessica Barlow and her husband Ronnie Barlow, sister Melody Kendall, aunts Debbie Neil, Theresa Eckert, Lana Kendall, uncles George Martin, Charlie Martin, Ronnie Martin, grandparents Harold and Lillian Kendall, as well as his fiancé, Heather Reed and step-sister Angel Vick.

John now reunites with those who passed before him—his grandfather Ace Martin, grandmother Ann Martin, and step-father Mark Bietka. Their memories form a tapestry rich with laughter, shared joys, and the traditions that shaped John’s generous spirit.

A visitation will be held on Monday, July 20, 2026, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at Davis Funeral Chapel, 531 Shawnee St, Leavenworth, KS. A funeral service will take place at the same location on Tuesday, July 21, at 11:00 AM, followed immediately by burial at Sunset Memory Garden Cemetery, 16731 Springdale Road, Leavenworth, KS.

Memorial contributions may be given to the family to help with expenses, Peggy Bietka.

Though his hands are now at rest, the stories John Raymond Kendall created—through his laughter, his work, his endless mischief and love—will long outlive the man himself. In every spark of a campfire, every gleam of sunlight on muddy water, and every spirited cheer for the Packers, his memory endures, vivid and cherished—a testament to a life lived fully, and a heart that remains unforgettable.