Willard (Willie) Kendig , 91, of Yettem passed peacefully to be with his Lord and Savior in his sleep on May 4, 2011. Willard was born in Yettem, CA. September 22, 1919. He was not only a father, but also a great friend to many throughout his life as a farmer, mechanic, and inventor. Willie, as he was known by all, was raised, attended school, and lived the majority of his life in the Visalia area. Willie was passionate about his work and became well as a mechanic and inventor. He owned and operated the Kendig's Service Center and Auto Repair in a number of locations throughout Tulare County most of his life. He invented and patented the Kendig Variable Venturi Carburetor in the early 1970's. The carburetor was successfully campaigned on cars and boats during that decade. He served in the U.S. Navy during WWII as a flight engineer, and supported numerous veterans' organizations after his honorable discharge from the service. He was an Avid member of the Visalia Lions Breakfast Club. He was also one of the co-founders, and a long standing member of Vapor Trailers, a car and motorcycle club in Visalia. Willie will be greatly missed by family and friends. Willie is survived by his son and wife Marty and Cynthia Kendig, Daughter Kristi Kendig, daughter and husband Marci and Larry Tarbell, all of Visalia, a nephew and wife, Richard and Janet Kendig of Jackson in addition to 10 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild and three great nephews. Graveside services will be held at Mt. Ararat Cemetery, 1925 W. Belmont Ave, Fresno, CA. on May 13, 2011 at 1:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: V.A. Central California Health System. Attn: Public Affairs, 2615 E. Clinton Ave, Fresno, CA. 93703. Condolences may be e-mailed to info@salseranddillard.com A Graveside service will at 1 p.m. on Friday, May 13, 2011 at Mount Ararat Cemetery, 1925 W. Belmont, Fresno, CA.