Thomas R. Kendrick, 81, retired chemist, a resident of Muskogee, OK; passed away, Wednesday, December 10, 2014 in Grace Living Center.

Dr. Thomas Rudolph Kendrick

God blessed Arthur and Prince Alice Kendrick with a son born into their home with the birth of Thomas Rudolph Kendrick. He was blessed at the age of nine to attend the Dean's Chapel Baptist Church in Muskogee and was later was baptized at Rayfield Baptist Church. He later became a member of Morning Star Baptist Church. At age forty (40) he re-dedicated his life to Christ & God's Kingdom and attended Central Baptist Church in Denver, Colorado. Over the course of his religious experience Thomas was very dutiful wherever he served performing such duties as choir member, assistant financial secretary, church treasurer, trustee chair-man, pastor's administrative assistant, church business manager, president of church council, brotherhood & brotherhood chorus secretary. He was a founding member of the Evangelist Temple Baptist Church where he served as church treasurer, pastor's administrative assistant, church business manager, trustee, brotherhood & brotherhood chorus secretary. In his later years Thomas was a stalwart member of the Antioch Missionary Baptist Church where he served under the leadership of the late Rev. B. W. Noble, and then with someone who would become one of his best friends, Pastor Marlon J. Coleman. He loved Antioch and was true to his calling! While at Antioch he head many posts of stewardship including chairman of the finance committee, bus driver, BTU director, brotherhood president, trustee, and chairman of the deacon ministry. Thomas was not selfish with his professional or seminary training and served as a lecturing professor at Liberty Baptist College. He attended Douglass Elementary, Manual Training High, Langston University, University of North Carolina, Portsmouth School of Pharmacy, La Salle Extension University (School of Law), Southern Bible Seminary, Oval Bible College, Liberty Baptist College, Northeastern State University, Paul Harvey Leadership Seminars, and Tremendous Jones Leadership Seminars. Thomas was the first Black Laboratory Technician (micropaleontology) at the University of Texas (1955) and integrated intercampus shuttle bus by refusing to move to the rear when ordered by the driver. God blessed Thomas with scientific intelligence and thus he became a chemist by profession. At Fansteel's Muskogee Plant, he was the first Black Administrative employee, first Black Scientist & first Black Laboratory Head (interstitial laboratory). At Niotan, Inc., Moundhouse, NV, he was the first Black management employee (Plant Chemical Hygiene Manager & interstitial laboratory supervisor). Brother Kendrick is co-author of six (6) books of poetry; Founder of Muskogee County Black Republican Council; was a candidate for Muskogee School Board & City Council; served seven years on Muskogee City Board of Adjustment & nine years as 2nd Congressional District Committeeman. He is listed in Who's Who In Poetry, Who's Who In Science & Engineering' Who's Who In America & received Antioch's Golden Jubilee Award. Thomas believed he charge from God was to "Serve This Present Age With Love", a charge he held faithfully until death.
Thomas is preceded in death by his parents Arthur & Prince Alice Kendrick; a brother, Arthur L. Kendrick II; a sister, Ervestine Kendrick-Grant; and a niece, Shirley G. Jackson. Survivors include a niece who helped care for him in later years, Ms. Sheila Kendrick; a nephew, Arthur L. Kendrick III, dear and loyal cousins Fred & Sandra Davis; Thresa & Benjamin Scott, several great nieces & nephews, an ensemble of friends and acquaintances, the Antioch Missionary Baptist Church family whom he adored, and his friend and pastor whom he supported every step of the way, Rev. Marlon J. Coleman.

A Service of Memory will be conducted, Thursday. Dec. 18, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. in the Antioch Baptist Church, with Pastor Marlon Coleman, eulogizing.

Interment in Ft Gibson National cemetery.

Visitation, Wednesday, 1:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m.