Sammy Kendall

Sammy Irvin Kendall, a loving husband, father, and papa, passed away on December 27, 2025, in Searcy, Arkansas, at the age of 79. Born on March 13, 1946, in Gage, Oklahoma to his parents, George and Opal Kendall.

For 61 beautiful years, he shared a bond of love and companionship with his wife, Karen. Their journey together was marked by countless cherished moments, from spontaneous drives to secret destinations that brought joy and wonder to their children’s lives, to their shared evenings in the comfort of their home, with Sammy often found outside, cooking on the grill. His special dish, smoked ribs seasoned with his homemade seasonings, became a family favorite, a testament to the love he poured into every meal he prepared.

Sammy also loved welding very much and spent most of his career welding in the oil field. He started out digging holes for a company, worked his way up, and ended up in a supervisor role. He even taught his wife how to weld and would invite her to join him in his shop, where together they created not just metalwork, but memories.

Sammy leaves behind a legacy of love through his surviving family: his beloved wife, Karen Kendall; daughters, Tammy Childers (Floyd) of Gothenburg, Nebraska, and Trenda Anaya of Perryton, Texas; four grandsons, Marcus Anaya of Perryton, Texas, Eric Kendall of Gothenburg, Nebraska, Vance Childers of Gothenburg, Nebraska, and Ace Anaya of Perryton, Texas; four great-grandchildren; as well as numerous nieces and nephews who all held him dear to their hearts.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Jerry and James Kendall, a sister, Carol Plato, and his grandparents.

A visitation and funeral service honoring Sammy will be held on January 2, 2026, at Cole Funeral Home in Kensett, Arkansas. The visitation will begin at 1:00 PM followed by the funeral service at 2:00 PM.