Former SAGU President, Dr. Klaude Kendrick, Passes

Dr. Klaude Kendrick, 93, passed away Saturday, Aug. 28, 2010, at 3:30 a.m. He was at his home in Fayetteville, Ark.

Dr. Kendrick had a long and distinguished career in Assemblies of God higher education, including serving as Evangel University’s first president.

Klaude Kendrick was born June 5, 1917, in Arizona near the Mexican border. After high school, he attended Southwestern in Enid, OK, under Dr. P.C. Nelson. He later earned a Ph.D. in History at the University of Texas. He returned to Southwestern and served as teacher, dean of men, business manager, and vice president. In 1955 he was instrumental in the founding of Evangel University, serving as its first president until 1958 and as academic dean for another two years.

In 1960, he returned to Southwestern as its president, serving until 1964. From 1964-1977 he taught history at Texas Wesleyan University and was dean at Vanguard University from 1977-1979. In the early 1980s he again answered the call of his alma mater and served on our faculty teaching history. President Kermit Bridges remarks, "I look back fondly on the opportunity I had as a student to study history under this godly and knowledgeable man." He also added, "How encouraging this wise and seasoned veteran was to me in the early days of my service here as president."

Prior to concluding his educational career, Dr. Kenrick served as president of the Far East Advanced School of Theology in the Philippines from 1984-86.

In retirement, he and his wife, Mable, lived in Arkansas, and faithfully attended Homecoming at SAGU each year except for these last two years due to poor health. Dr. Kendrick was loved and highly revered by former students and colleagues, who affectionately referred to him by his initials, KK.

Dr. Kendrick was preceded in death by a son, Karl, and his first wife, Grace. He is survived by their daughter, Karen Thompson, of Fort Smith, AR, and his second wife, Mable. A private family burial will be held on Tuesday, Aug. 31, in Rogers, AR. A public memorial service will be held at 1:30 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 4, at First Assembly of God Church in Springdale, AR.

Please join SAGU in remembering Mable, Karen, and the entire family in prayer during this difficult time.