Toney Kendrick

(From Parker Mortuary)

Anthony “Toney” Eugene Kendrick, age 90, Joplin, passed away on Tuesday, May 6, 2025 at his home

Toney was born October 31, 1934 in Coffeyville, KS, son of the late Carl Louie Kendrick and Olive “Billie” Irene (Reeves) Kendrick. He grew up in Duenweg, and graduated from Duenweg High School before receiving his bachelor’s degree in engineering from Drury College in Springfield, MO. 

He married Pamela Ann Morrison on June 9, 1963, and they have been together for over 60 years. He served in the United States Army, and returned to Joplin to work for Parsons Ammunitions Plant and later Teledyne in Neosho before moving to Cape Canaveral, FL in 1969 where he worked as the manager of a local grocery store before going to work in the United States Space Program as an engineer. He worked on several different missions including helping to get the Apollo 13 crew back to earth. He returned to Joplin in 2023. He was known for his love of his dogs over the years. He was a very intelligent man who will be greatly missed by many.

In addition to his parents, Toney was preceded in death by brothers, Carl and David; and a sister, Sharon Prauser.

Survivors include his wife, Pamela (Morrison) Kendrick; sisters, Diana Porter of Joplin, Nita Lane and husband Vernon of Diamond, MO, Mary Eichelberger of Joplin, and Susanne Mael of Colorado Springs, CO; a brother, Don Kendrick and wife Colleen of Neosho, MO; a special nephew, Donnie Eichelberger his longtime caregiver, and several other nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews.

Cremation arrangements are under the care of Parker Mortuary with no services planned at this time.

Interment of his ashes will take place at a later date with his parents in Ozark Memorial Park Cemetery.