Virgil Dean Kirkendall

Virgil Dean Kirkendall, age 87, of Middlebury Center, passed away on Wednesday, December 12, 2018, at UPMC Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hospital, Wellsboro. He was the husband of Pauline (Johnson) Kirkendall, of Middlebury Center, and they shared 30 years of marriage together. He was born on February 15, 1931, in Wooster, OH, the son of the late John Kirkendall and Mamie Swinehart.

Virgil was a United States Navy veteran, having served as a helicopter mechanic during the Korean War. He continued that passion for aerospace technology after his honorable discharge from the Navy. His first position was held with NASA as an aerospace mechanic, and upon retiring from NASA, he assisted with the development of windmills with the Sverdrup research group. Virgil attended church services at the Holliday Alliance Church in Middlebury Center. He was also a member of the NRA, an honorary member of the Middlebury Township Volunteer Fire Department, and loved riding his motorcycles and scooters. He was considered a “Jack of all trades,” with a keen eye for detail, especially when it came to woodworking. Virgil will be remembered by family and friends for his love of all animals and great sense of humor.

Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife, Pauline Kirkendall, of Middlebury Center; sons and daughters-in-law, Van & Kathalee Kirkendall, of Berea, OH, Greg & Karen Kirkendall, of Wellsboro, and Keith & Kimberly Wagner, of Grafton, OH; two grandchildren, Klint Kirkendall, of Thompson, OH, and Brandie (Josh) Hebb, of Berea, OH; four great grandchildren, Kara, Callie, Tavin and Carter; two step-sons, Paul (Brenda) Bennett, of Scappoose, OR, and Jeff Bennett, of Yamhill, OR; many dear friends.

In addition to his parents, Virgil was preceded in death by his youngest son, Duane Kirkendall, and his step-son, David Bennett.

In keeping with Virgil’s wishes, a memorial service will be held and announced at a later date. Interment will be held in the Western Reserve Cemetery, Seville, OH, with full military honors. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Tussey-Mosher Funeral Home, Ltd., Wellsboro. To share your fondest memories of Virgil, or to sign his electronic guestbook, please visit www.tusseymosher.com.