Jeffrey Kendrick

Jeffrey Michael Kendrick, age 56 of Middletown, Ohio, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, September 11, 2023, at his home. He was born on September 17, 1966, in Cincinnati, Ohio, to Donald and Christine (Rowland) Kendrick. He was a mechanic for Metro/SORTA for 25 years.  

Jeff is survived by his devoted and loving wife of 20 years, Joyce Kendrick (Paskewich); his children, son Nevan Andre Kendrick, and Nyla Ravan (Rin) McCaslin, and his granddaughter, Leela Anne McCaslin. He is also survived by his “little sister” Donna Brickler (Jerold), his nephew Justin Brickler, and his parents Donald and Christine Kendrick. He also has a large, loving family of aunts, uncles, cousins, and in-laws who carry his memory with them. 

As a boy, Jeff always loved to tinker, learning the skill of auto mechanics under a “shade tree” with his Dad. He enjoyed fishing, motorcycling, and playing the guitar. Jeff had a nickname for everyone and laughed at everything. He learned to not take life -- or himself -- too seriously, living one day at a time. He loved his two cats, Fuzz and Gilligan, laughing at their goofy antics every single day.  He enjoyed keeping track of the Cincinnati Red's statistics with his son, Nevan, even attending Spring Camp out in Arizona with him and his daughter, Nyla, last year. One of the biggest thrills of his life was when he became a Papaw to Leela. Jeff had a language all his own and we will all miss his teasing and funny sayings. 

Jeff loved Jesus and had Christ's heart for social justice. He was very proud of his work for the poor, marginalized, and oppressed. He frequently attended protests, rallies, and marches with Joyce, raising his voice for those whose voices have been silenced or ignored. He accompanied her to Washington, D.C., for last year’s Poor People’s and Low-Wage Workers Assembly. His allyship will be greatly missed by many. 

A Memorial Gathering will take place Sunday, September 24, 2023 from 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM at Baker-Stevens-Parramore Funeral Home, 6850 Roosevelt Ave. Middletown, OH 45005. A Celebration of Life Service will follow at 5:00 PM at the Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, a GoFundMe has been set up for Joyce to help her financially navigate life without him. https://gofund.me/17c709c0 

Per the request of Joyce, she would like face masks to be worn.