L. Lionel Kendrick
Here is a profile of L. Lionel Kendrick (Larry Lionel Kendrick) based on available public sources:
L. Lionel Kendrick – Life, Service & Teachings
Introduction
L. Lionel Kendrick (born September 19, 1931 – died August 22, 2022) was a leader, educator, and General Authority Seventy of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church). His life was marked by commitment to teaching, faith, and service in his church, academia, and family.
Early Life & Family
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Kendrick was born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana as the only child of Bonnie Delen Kendrick and Edna Forbes Kendrick.
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He married Myrtis Lee Noble on August 16, 1952.
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They had children: three sons and one daughter: Larry Jr., Hal, Dana (predeceased), and Merri Ellen.
Education & Professional Career
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Kendrick earned his bachelor’s, master’s, and Ph.D. degrees in health and physical education from Louisiana State University.
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He served as a professor at East Carolina University in Greenville, North Carolina, for over twenty years before his full-time church service.
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In his earlier years, he taught high school (and coached sports) in Louisiana, while earning his advanced degrees at night and in summers.
Religious Conversion & Early Church Roles
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In his youth, Kendrick was active in Protestant congregations.
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He was baptized into the LDS Church shortly after marrying Myrtis, during his service in the U.S. Air Force, at an officers training school in Belleville, Illinois.
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Soon after, he served in various church callings: Sunday School superintendent, counselor in a bishopric, branch president, stake president, regional representative.
Service as LDS General Authority
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On April 2, 1988, Kendrick was called to the First Quorum of the Seventy.
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In 1989, when the Second Quorum of the Seventy was created, he was transferred there.
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In 1991, he was returned to the First Quorum and served there until 2001.
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From 1992 to 1993, he served as Second Counselor in the General Presidency of the Young Men organization.
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He also served as President of the Dallas Texas Temple from 1993 to 1995.
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In October 2001, he was granted emeritus status as a General Authority.
Later Years & Death
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Kendrick passed away on August 22, 2022, in Salt Lake City, Utah, at the age of 90.
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At the time of his death, he was an emeritus General Authority Seventy.
Teachings, Writings & Philosophy
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Kendrick was known as a committed teacher, often emphasizing scripture study, reverence, and character strengthening through trials.
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Among his published works is Scriptures to Success (1993), a book reflecting on scriptural principles applied to life.
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His talks include messages such as Christlike Communications, Search the Scriptures, Enhancing Our Temple Experience.
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He often taught about struggles, choices, reverence, and communication in spiritual life.
Memorable Quotes
Here are a few quotes attributed to L. Lionel Kendrick:
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“We cannot always control everything that happens to us in this life, but we can control how we respond.”
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“To be reverent is not just to be quiet. It involves an awareness … a divine desire to learn … to be receptive to the promptings of the Spirit.”
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“Christlike communications are expressed in tones of love rather than loudness. ... intended to be helpful rather than hurtful.”
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“Some of our struggles involve decisions, others result from the decisions we have made … Some result from choices others make that affect our lives.”
These reflect his emphasis on agency, spiritual sensitivity, and compassionate discourse.
Legacy & Significance
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Kendrick is remembered as a bridge between secular education and religious service: a scholar, educator, and ecclesiastical leader.
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His life demonstrates how one can intertwine faith, teaching, and leadership across domains.
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Among LDS communities, his sermons, writings, and personal example continue to influence how members approach scripture, temple worship, and interpersonal communication.
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His long tenure across different roles shows adaptability, humility, and devotion to lifelong service.