Obituary

Pendleton, Kevin A., passed away on February 22, 2025, at Miami Valley Hospital after a lengthy battle with cancer.  A native of Mansfield, Ohio, Kevin was predeceased by his mother, Shirley Walter and his father Alva Pendleton.  He is survived by his loving husband of 24 years, Jeffrey Vondenhuevel, his brother David Pendleton and sister, Tonya (James) Workman, as well as nieces and nephews, aunts and uncles.  He was a graduate of Madison Comprehensive High School (Mansfield) class of 1986 and worked as a graphic designer for the Neff Company in Greenville, Ohio.  

Kevin was a gifted artist, working on glass etchings, paintings and self-expression through his artist’s skills.  He was an excellent chef doing simple and complicated recipes that were his trademark.  He and Jeff raised their own garden and did work canning such beautiful vegetables that they could have been a piece of photographic art themselves. During both the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays he prepared buffets and invited his and Jeff’s large circle of friends to come and enjoy making memories of the season.  He built a beautiful memorial garden at their home in memory of his and Jeff’s mothers.  

Kevin was gifted with an intuitive artistic eye, making every room he touched beautiful with his ability to see complementary colors, bohemian themes came together when decorating for the holidays in over-the-top fashion.  He often found discarded furniture that he recrafted to beautiful accents to his and Jeff’s home.  He was witty, clever and caring, able to give good bar-tender advice with a cocktail that had his special touch.  His values were so strong that when a neighbor or family member was in need, he would show up not with a single dish, but a full meal.  He quietly managed his suffering during his illnesses and remained optimistic even during the most difficult days.  

Kevin and Jeff shared a deep love admired by their friends and those who encountered their gentle goodness.  They were a team, loving being together whether it was in a grocery store, doing a project, spending weekends at the lake or taking a trip.  When Kevin was ill, Jeff would be at this side and provide love, care and support that is a model for all partners and caregivers.  At only 58 years old, he left us all too soon.  With the circle now broken, we miss him. He leaves a void in our hearts that no one will ever fill.  We hold Jeff in prayer for the deep grief that he is experiencing in this heartbreaking time.  Jeff’s sister, Julie, and Kevin’s sister, Tonya, have been anchors of love and support for Jeff.  He is grateful for their support, and the support brought to him through visits, phone calls, food, cards, pictures and posts by family and friends.  

A Celebration of Life service will be held in Kevin’s memory on April 12, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at Eastmont United Methodist Church, 5039 Woodbine Avenue, Dayton, OH.  A lunch will follow the service.  At a later date, Kevin will be interred in Windsor Park Cemetery in Mansfield, near the final resting place of his Mom and other family members.  Cremation services for Kevin were provided by Glickler Funeral Home, Dayton, OH.