Kendal Wilson Elmore

Reverend Kendal Wilson Elmore, 74, joyously passed from this life into the presence of the Lord he loved and served Saturday evening, July 31, 2021, surrounded by his family.The world lost a great man, but Heaven is rejoicing with Kendal as he dances on the streets in glory with our Lord and those who have gone before him. Kendal was born in Lawrenceville, Virginia to H. Wilson and Virginia Elmore and was the oldest of three sons. He will be missed by his partner in ministry and wife of 55 years, Carolyn Stone Elmore; their four children Tracey Elmore Hoffman, Amy Williams and husband Dan, Angela Nelson and husband Steve, Matthew Elmore and wife Jessica; granddaughters Carrie, and husband Jason, Hannah, Anna, Becca Grace, Madison, Sarah, Makayla, and Morgann to whom he was known as “Papa;” great-grandsons Judson, Theo, and Jaxon, to whom he was known as “Big Papa;” his brother Rodney Elmore and wife Linda, Carolyn Baird Elmore, nieces and nephews, and countless “brothers” and “sisters” in Christ. Kendal was preceded in death by his mother and father, his brother Wade, and a precious granddaughter Rachel Faith. The family wishes to express profound appreciation to the aides and nurses at Fahrney Keedy Nursing Home and to Jeff Dewitt of Minnich Funeral Home for serving our husband and father with such care and compassion. Pastor Kendal attended Ferrum College and Virginia Commonwealth University and in the early 1970’s, after hearing God’s calling to serve in the ministry, he was licensed and ordained as a pastor within the Church of the Brethren. Kendal served as pastor to churches in Virginia, Indiana, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. In 2010, he was ordained and served as a district executive minister in Maryland before retiring in December 2019. Kendal Elmore will be remembered and loved by many. He was known for his outgoing personality, intellect, and wit. He “never met a stranger,” and was quick to extend a smile, a handshake, or a warm hug. He had an uncanny ability to remember not only a person’s name, but the name of the person’s family members, where each person was from and details about their lives. He loved people and wanted them to know the goodness of God. He dedicated his life to sharing the gospel and lived every day seeking opportunities to share God’s love with people. Kendal loved music and played several musical instruments. His strong, expressive singing was surely influenced by favorite singers like Doug Oldham, Johnny Cash, and the Gaithers. Just two days before his death, Kendal was singing several lines of “It is Well with My Soul.” Kendal loved his four children, his nine granddaughters, and his three great grandsons, but most of all, he loved his wife, Carolyn. Kendal and Carolyn made a great team in ministry leading worship together in song, conducting bible studies, and preaching God’s word. Kendal’s greatest love was his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. His capacity and understanding of the scripture was exceptional. He was without doubt, a man of God and much like Elijah when it came to prayer. Kendal believed in “being instant in season and out” and often prayed with people “on the spot.” Whether praying for the sick, for restoration, expressing thanks for a meal or before parting company with friends, what a blessing his prayers were to so many people! Kendal was a man of conviction and did not make decisions based on what was popular in evangelical circles. He didn’t pander to human accolade, instead, his pastoral leadership and preaching was based on the uncompromising word of God. He remained firmly committed to biblical truth when others in ministry would compromise or bend to popular appeal. Kendal would be the first to say that he was not a perfect man, but he relentlessly shared the hope and encouragement of Christ even as he persevered through his own limitations. In his final days, as his body was rapidly failing, he was still sharing his faith and praying with his doctors and caregivers. Until his last breath, Kendal impacted the lives around him. So, with the same closing that Kendal used after nearly ever service, “Go in peace. Not the peace that the world gives, for peace is not merely the absence of conflict, but the very real presence of God in our lives.” There will be a public Celebration of Life service at 2:00 PM on August 14th , Kendal and Carolyn’s 55th wedding anniversary, at Potomac Park Retreat & Conference Center 11 Tabernacle Way in Falling Waters, WV. In lieu of flowers, you may honor Kendal and his lifetime of gospel ministry with a donation to global missions in South Asia via www.abwe.org/work/missionaries/0192621