Leon K. “Kenny” “Butch” Wendell, 73, of Haverhill, died Sunday evening, April 12, at Merrimack Valley Hospice House, after a brief illness surrounded by his family.
He was born in Exeter, N.H., July 1, 1941, son of Leon G. and Janice (Fontaine) Wendell. Educated in the Haverhill school system, Wendell graduated from Haverhill High School, class of 1959 and attended Northern Essex Community College. For more than 30 years he was employed at the former AT&T, North Andover, from where he retired as a supervisor in 1989. He was a member of Merrimack Lodge F.& A.M., Haverhill, St. Marks Lodge A.F.&A.M., Newburyport, Aleppo Shrine, Wilmington and Scottish Rite Bodies, Boston.
His survivors include his wife of 53 years, Karen A. (Colby) Wendell of Haverhill; a son, James Wendell of Haverhill; two daughters, Melissa Richards and her husband James of Luray, Virg., and Kristen Hayes of Manchester, N.H.; a brother, Phil Wendell and his wife Linda of Haverhill; five grandchildren, Eva Wendell of Boston, Jonathan Wendell of Arundel, Maine, Christopher Jenkins of Luray, Virg., Kelly Jenkins of Luray Virg., Nicholas Richards of Luray, Virg.; a great granddaughter, Teagan Wendell of Arundel, Maine; and several nieces a nephew. He was predeceased by his sister Verna Hasbrook.
Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend his calling hours on Thursday, April 16, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the H.L. Farmer & Sons Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 106 Summer St., Haverhill. His memorial service will be Friday, April 17 at 11 a.m. at the funeral home. Burial will be private and at the convenience of the family.