Jack Lewis Kirkendall, age 84, son of Bonnie and William Kirkendall, was born in Caney, Kansas on October 17, 1937. He passed away on May 20, 2022 in Hospice Care at Minnequa Medicenter in Pueblo, Colorado.
Jack was blessed with a large and loving family. He met his wife Shirley when his brother Bill and her best friend JoAnn introduced them. They were engaged and married in 1957. Their romance lasted 43 years and was blessed with four wonderful children, ten grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren.
Jack was stationed at Fort Carson when his brother Bill introduced Jack to Shirley. Jack enlisted in the United States Army (Heavy Weapon Infantry) in 1954. His active duty commitment included assignment to the “Berlin Brigade” in what was then Communist East Germany. He served a 21 month tour in the city of Berlin assigned to duties on “the wall” dividing East Berlin from West Berlin. Jack was Honorably Discharged from the U.S. Army Reserves in 1962. Jack began his extensively involved patriotic Pueblo participation as a vigorous volunteer in charitable, political and labor activities. He was a life time member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (V.F.W. Post 3641), a member of the American legion (CO Post #0002), one time president of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, shop steward and eventual president of USW Local 02102 (United Steel Workers Union, District 12, Local 02102). As a lifelong member of the Democratic Party he worked on numerous candidates’ campaigns. One of which included a particular gubernatorial candidate staying at Jack & Shirley’s home on Carteret and Northern. Jack & Shirley hosted Richard Lamm, at their home, during Lamm’s “walking the State” campaign for governor. Jack worked most of his career at ABEX Corporation, now a part of EVRAZ North America, as a machinist and forman for over 20 years.
Jack was preceded in death by his father, William Elmer Kirkendall, his mother, Bonnie E Kirkendall; his brothers Glenn (wife Jeanie), Jim (wife Joan), Bill (wife Joann); and his sister Sue (husband Ken). He is survived by his ex-wife, Shirley; his daughters Glinda (husband Kirby), Tammy (husband Chuck); his sons Jack (wife Cathi) and Tim Kirkendall; his ten grandchildren Brittany, and Cody; Celeste and Anthony; Steven, Nicole, Sara, and Ivan; Ashley and TJ.
A “Celebration of Life & Memorial Service” will be held on Thursday, June 23, 2022, from 12:40 p.m., at Pikes Peak National Cemetery 105445 Drennan Rd. Colorado Springs, CO 80925. Once you enter the cemetery take a right on Cortage Lane 2 and head toward the Administration building with cones. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society.