Kendall S. Stone II

Kendall Shannon Stone II can fix anything and find the perfect, simple solution for any problem, because he has a deep knowledge of how things work: cars, tools, wires, pipes, machines, houses, and relationships.

Kendall knows how things work because he shows up and listens and considers and pays attention. Kendall always shows up for people. He is as tough as old boots but unashamed of his tender heart. Among Kendall’s virtues are a disarming humility, a gooberish sense of humor, a fierce loyalty, an insatiable appetite for warm hugs, and a love of sharing good food with old friends, plus new friends who feel like old friends.

Kendall was born in Louisville, KY to Kendall Shannon Stone and Rose Abell Stone, and lived in J-Town in his early years. He has an older sister, Margaret Rose Stone. Kendall attended St. Edward Grade School and then Trinity High School, where he learned to make fast friends, a skill he would hone and master throughout his life. Although he was known to be reprimanded for sleeping in class and playing pranks, Kendall was beloved by his teachers and peers alike.

Mentored by a J-Town horse farmer and a veterinarian in Oldham County, Kendall was inspired to study agriculture at the University of Kentucky, where he earned his Bachelor’s degree. Following college, Kendall worked for Kroger and other meat processing plants. Kendall married Jill Gibbons and they welcomed two daughters, Melissa and Shannon. His girls remember Kendall as a fun dad who led them on adventures to junkyards and hardware stores and played the welcoming host at slumber parties.

Kendall worked for some time for the Department of Education. After his marriage ended, he did some traveling and soul-searching.

While peddling hair wraps at his booth at Garvin Gate Blues Festival, Kendall found himself wrapped up in conversation with Pat Kincaid, and that was that; and they were later married. He worked independently as an electrician and in a number of other curious pursuits. For several years Kendall and Pat were traveling fools, following the Grateful Dead and making their living in stadium parking lots selling rice and beans, giant egg rolls, and funnel cakes. Throughout their loving friendship they have relentlessly crisscrossed these United States, taking in the glory of God’s creation, meeting decent folks.

From his early years, Longboat Key, FL was a special place for Kendall. His parents bought a condo there when he was very young, and Kendall spent a lot of time on the narrow isle throughout his life, developing a love for wade-fishing there over fifty years. Longboat Key became a gathering space that created lasting memories for family and friends—when it was just the two of them, Kendall and Pat enjoyed braving the nighttime surf in their homemade raft to hunt flounder.

Kendall joined Pat who has been a lifelong member of South Louisville Christian Church. He also experienced sacred love through his friend groups, “Ruined for Life,” “Independent Study Session,” and St. William Catholic Church.

Along the way, Kendall became “Koko” to grandchildren, and nieces and nephews. Kendall loves kids and became a cherished and devoted grandfather and uncle. He reprised his early fatherly talent for making Christmas Chex Mix and DIY gifts. He started driving a school bus for Jefferson County Public Schools, and developed a knack for safely maneuvering a giant vehicle while showing kindness to tiny kiddos.

In his later years Kendall volunteered regularly at La Casita Center. He of course became quickly beloved and adopted as one of the “abuelitos” (grandpas), and helped to renovate the place by updating the electrical, plumbing, and interior of the building.

Kendall was diagnosed with cancer in 2017, and expected he had months to live. Since then, he has been a walking miracle. In 2022, Kendall realized his childhood dream of having some farmland property, acquiring 40 acres in Salem, IN. Since then he and Pat have been developing the property into a haven for future generations of family. In Salem he has built community and made dear friends, as he has everywhere he has been.

Kendall is survived by his wife of 31 years, Pat Kincaid Stone; their children, Melissa Queen Stone (Jason Biggs), Shannon Abell Stone Porter (Andrew), Carrie Kincaid James (Greg), and Dana Kincaid; grandchildren, Shayne Griley, Jackie Royce (Nick Layman), Travis Royce, Kevin Royce(Maddie), Grayson James (Alyssa), Erin James, Beatrice Biggs, Henry Biggs, Charlie Biggs, Kristopher Chon, Kyle Chon, and Amelia Stone Porter; the greats, Evie, Jack, Sophia, Everleigh, Vivian; and by a cloud of witnesses, an extended family bound not so much by blood as by heart, through whom his spirit lives on.

Kendall asks that you remember him whenever you see a speck of dust falling from the ceiling and dancing to the earth. Don’t dismiss or disregard the speck of dust. Follow it attentively to its resting place on the ground. Then, roll around with it for a while. In this way you will bring yourself back down to the earth, make yourself at home in the family of the world.

Visitation will take place at Arch L. Heady and Son Funeral Home, 3601 Taylor Blvd., on Monday, September 1, from 4-8 p.m. On Tuesday, September 2, there will be visitation hours from 12-2 p.m. followed by a memorial service at 2 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to La Casita Center. Please visit lacasitacenter.org.