Kendall S. Garton

Kendall S. Garton, a beloved husband, father, brother, and friend, departed from this world unexpectedly on January 27, 2025, at Coffeyville Regional Medical Center, leaving behind cherished memories and profound influences.

Born on August 8, 1958, in Wichita, Kansas, to Lindley L. and Arlene Rose (Birch) Garton, Kendall flourished in the vibrant community of Wichita. A proud graduate of Wichita East High School, he later honed his academic journey at Butler Community College before earning his bachelor’s degree from Fort Hays University. Throughout his childhood and teenage years, he embraced a life of engagement, taking part in various activities including DeMolay and Boy Scouts, where he proudly achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. Kendall was also an enthusiastic Nebraska huskers and Kansas City Chiefs fan.

Kendall’s career was marked by a deep-seated passion for orthopedics, a field in which he dedicated 22 fruitful years. Starting his journey in Wichita, he thrived as an Orthopedic Tech, working alongside skilled physicians. Though he briefly diverged to serve the Montgomery County Attorney’s office, the draw of his true calling brought him back to orthopedics, reflecting his unwavering commitment to helping others.

In the embrace of love, Kendall found his soulmate in Nancy (Clough) Garton, whom he married on April 29, 2006. Their bond, forged in friendship became an enduring partnership that weathered life’s storms. He was her steadfast supporter, her travel companion, and her source of comfort through all of life’s challenges. Together, they carved out a home in Coffeyville, where the warmth of their love welcomed friends and family alike.

Kendall embraced Nancy’s three sons – Jason, Brandon and James whom he loved as his own. He was more than a stepfather, he cultivated a profound fatherly presence, offering steadfast guidance and encouragement. Kendall shared special adventures with Jason as the pilot, Jason may never have known how scared Kendall really was but would have done anything to show how much he trusted him. Jason, Brandon and James shared the same interest as Kendall being active inDeMolay (a youth leadership organization, striving to shape young men into leaders of character.) and Boy Scouts with Jason, and James also obtaining the rank of Eagle.

Family vacations became cherished traditions, with memories woven together in places most recently in Hawaii and Alaska. Kendall’s knack for storytelling and historic passions turned each moment into a discovery. Lord of a small plot of land in Scotland, a small portion of land that he received as a symbol of love and thoughtfulness led to a desire to one day travel to Scotland as a family to visit. 

A proud member of the Masonic Keystone Lodge #102 in Coffeyville, Kendall also held allegiance to the Bester G. Brown Lodge #433 in Wichita, embodying the values of brotherhood and community service. As a member of the Scottish Rite, OES, and Shrine, he forged bonds that spanned the globe, nurturing friendships that felt akin to family.

Kendall loved being a part of the Kiwanis, they welcomed him to Coffeyville, making him feel part of the community. He poured his heart into the Coffeyville Historical Society, where his dedication shone brightly as he contributed countless hours to the Brown Mansion, infusing holiday celebrations with joy and festivity, showcasing his unwavering desire to uplift his community. 

His legacy is one of quiet strength, organization, and a relentless commitment to serving his family, often unnoticed but deeply felt. Kendall S. Garton’s life may have been tragically short, but the impact he made will resonate infinitely within the hearts of those he touched, reminding us all of the beauty of love, friendship, and the profound connections that enrich our lives.

Kendall is survived by his wife of the home, Nancy Garton, sons Jason Helkenberg, Brandon Helkenberg and, James Helkenberg (Kimberly), brothers Steven Garton (Jan), Dennis Garton (Linda), his grand kids, Bandit, Koda, Roxy, Annie and Ellie, a whole community of friends and brothers throughout the Masonic Family. He was preceded in death by his dad Lindley L. Garton, mom and stepdad Arlene Rose (Birch) Junior James. 

Funeral services celebrating a life well lived with be held on Monday, February 3, 2025 at 11am at First United Methodist Church, 304 W. 10th, Coffeyville, Kansas with Pastor Yves Kinangwa officiating. The family will receive friends on Sunday, February 2, 2025 from 5-7pm at Ford-Wulf-Bruns Chapel, 2405 Woodland Ave., in Coffeyville. The family has requested that those wishing to contribute monetarily to Kendall’s memory do so to either DeMolay International or Coffeyville Historical Society, both of which he was passionate about. To leave an online message of condolence, or share a memory visit www.fordwulfbrunschapel.com