Kendal Taylor Jones passed away on Oct. 6, 2026. He was born on Sept. 1, 1926, a son of the late Edgar Franklin Jones and Estella Taylor Jones on their farm near Lowes Cross Roads. He attended first grade in the one-room school there, but the next year, he was moved to the Laurel school. He was a graduate of the Laurel High School class of 1944. At the age of 11, he began living with a great-aunt, Florence Jones, in Laurel; her musical tutoring led the way to his singing in choir, Navy choirs, Seaford Symphonic Choir, at weddings, and with the Lions Club Showboat.

Kendal proudly served in the United States Navy as a Yeoman 2nd Class. He was a graduate of Gold Business College in Wilmington, now known as Goldey-Beacom. For 20 years, he was employed by the poultry and automotive industries as an accountant and then spent 30 years with the Seaford School District and the Laurel School District. He was a member of Centenary United Methodist Church, where over the years, he sang in the Boys Choir, Youth Choir, and Adult Choir. He was a charter member and past president of the Laurel Historical Society and a member of the Bethel and Seaford Historical Societies. Kendal was also a member of the Old Christ Church League, the Laurel Alumni Association, and was a former member and past president of the Laurel Lions Club. He was selected as Laurel’s Citizen of the Year in 1989.

In 1946, Kendal married Louisa Jane Bennett (Suzy). They were high school sweethearts and had a devoted marriage of 53 years before her death in 2000. They were the parents of three children, and their family had the honor of hosting two American Field Service students for a year each: Isabel Jimenez from Costa Rica, and Alex Zadory from Switzerland.

Kendal is survived by his daughter and caregiver, Kenda Jones Kile; his son, Kent Bennett Jones; and his daughter, Karla Jones Krakes, as well as his grandson, Justin Krakes and his wife, Melissa. His niece, two nephews, and other friends and relatives also survive him.

In addition to his parents, Kendal was preceded in death by his loving wife, Louisa “Suzy” Jane Bennett Jones; sister, Doris Jones Boyce; brother, Edgar Marvin Jones; three nieces; and a nephew.

A viewing will be held on Saturday, Oct. 24, from 10-11 a.m. at Centenary United Methodist Church, 200 West Market Street, in Laurel.  A funeral service will begin at 11 a.m. Reverend Dean Perdue will officiate. Interment with military honors will follow at Odd Fellows Cemetery in Laurel. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that contributions be made in his memory to the Laurel Historical Society, P.O. Box 102, Laurel, Delaware 19956.

Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.hsdfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are in the care of the Hannigan, Short, Disharoon Funeral Home in Laurel.