Levon Paul Kendall "Poppy" died at home after an acute illness, surrounded by his family, February 21, 2026. Levon was born November 19, 1950, in Dodge City, KS to John and Eleanor Kendall. He was the very middle of 5 children in a very loving family!

As a child, Levon was introduced to machine shop at Mayrath, where his father worked. He was allowed to do projects there and the passions stuck! He was talented in many arenas, pursuing the Art of Illusion, and Radio Control Planes; never viewing his job as "work". He was raised in a Christ-centered home and was baptized at 9yrs old at Ashland Christian Service Camp. This love for Jesus followed him his entire life.

In high school he participated in Bible Bowl, taking the championship in 1967. He also branched out into football and wrestling. He continued to attend Ashland as a camp counselor. After graduating Dodge City High School, he went on to attend Manhattan Christian College for Theology. This path was interrupted when he was drafted for Vietnam. He enlisted in the Navy where he was stationed at Imperial Beach, CA for 3 years. After that he was stationed at San Diego where he was the lone machinist on the USS Kitty Hawk, which allowed him to travel to places like Hong Kong and Hawaii.

During leave from the Navy in 1971, he met the love of his life, Frances Marks. After only 3 dates they were engaged, and this last December celebrated 54 years together! Levon was absolutely in love with his wife, whom he affectionately called "Baby Doll" and after 5 years of wedded bliss, Frances convinced him to have children. They were blessed in 1976 with their first – Cora; she is why Levon never obtained his pilot's license, but this did not stop his love of flight, which he continued through regular building and flying of RC Planes. Two years later they packed up and drove until the money ran out, to Topeka, KS, where Paul was born. A couple of years later, KSIR brought them to Hutchinson, KS.

Levon taught Machine Shop at KSIR/HCF for 23 years, where his proudest moments included showing his students what they could build out of nothing but scrap metal; that working Cessna engine still sits in the family living room. During this time, he also taught CNC Machinery at HCC after obtaining his BS in Education from Pitt State. Upon retiring from the prison, Levon worked for Sky-Eye Camera systems, machining parts for surgical robots and bone saws until Dementia took his memory, painfully taking his craft which he loved so much.

Levon wasn't all work, partly because he never considered it work, and partly because he was an enthusiastic Illusionist with an object lesson behind every trick. He never wanted anyone to think it was actual "magic". He belonged to, and held office in, the Wizards of Wichita – Ring 47 magic club for close to two decades. Out of his home machine shop (wood and metal) he machined illusions for other members and illusionists internationally. Arthritis took his manual dexterity, and Dementia rudely took his memory, stealing his favorite hobbies. This did not steal his joy for life though!

Levon was a dedicated family man and always did whatever necessary to support his family and raise his children to know his Jesus. He attended all the recitals, sports games, conferences and anything else his children participated in. He and Frances had an agreement though, He didn't do yard work and she didn't do dishes! He did, however, attempt to teach his children basic car maintenance/repair, roofing, basic home repair and so much more. If they couldn't do it, they at least had to watch. He was very patient and almost never raised his voice. His leather belt hung on the kitchen wall but was more of a threat than anything. He was a perpetual joker and self-proclaimed comedian. He was quick witted and loved a great dad joke! He was almost always happy and laughing at something. He showed tremendous love and respect to his wife and children, and he was the best "Poppy" to his grands.

After retiring, Levon and Frances followed Cora to MO where they adopted "Daddy-O" a miniature schnauzer. He took rides and walked with Daddy-O everywhere! In 2015 they moved to NW AR to assist with a church plant. While in AR they "adopted" Rion and welcomed him into the family as their own.

Missions were a very large part of Levon's life. While never ordained, he did frequently preach and was very involved in hosting missionaries and raising money to send to missions. He was incredibly generous and instilled his work ethic and generosity in his children as well. He was most recently a member of Mount Olivet Worship Center in Hutchinson, KS.

Levon was preceded in death by both parents, brother Mark, sister Susan, and his favorite dog Daddy-O.

He is survived by his wife Frances, daughter Cora (Fred), sons Paul and Rion, brother David and

sister Kay; grandchildren Braden (Jessica) and Andy (Albany); honorary grands Kyleigh and Elli, and numerous nieces and nephews.

There will be no services per his wishes. His and Daddy-O's ashes will be spread privately.

Donations in his memory may be made to the mission "Ripples at the Well" through Mount Olivet Worship Center in Hutchinson, KS