Kevin Robert Hendershot, 54, of Lovell, died Thursday, Sept. 18, 2008, in Lovell.


Kevin, the second child of Walter Hendershot, Jr. (deceased) and Rosemarie Lawson (deceased), was born in December of 1953 in Newton, N.J. His father was later remarried to Joyce Rogers (deceased) and the family was sealed together in the Idaho Falls Temple in August of 1963. After Joyce died, Walter married Gloria Kryman. Siblings include: Susan Hendershot, Cynthia Thompson, Anna McCormack (Jim), Gale Esplin (Ty) and Roger Hendershot.


While growing up, he lived in New Jersey, Florida, Tennessee and Oregon. He served an LDS mission to Sydney, Australia, from 1973 to 1975.


Kevin met Geraldine Mayes, daughter of Deloy and Nelly May Mayes (both deceased), in 1976 in Provo, and they were married in the Idaho Falls Temple on April 26, 1977. Siblings of Geraldine include: Laretta Spiztenberger (Joe), Lloyd Mayes (Claudia), Juanita Hawley (Robert), Pauline Waters (deceased, Steve) and Richard Mayes (Linda). Kevin and Gerldine have five children: Shawnee Hendershot of Lovell; Erik Hendershot of Lovell (wife Sandy, children Sariah and Bekah); Michael Hendershot of Lovell (wife Nicole, daughter Whitney); Bryan Hendershot of Gillette (wife Chelsey, children Hannah and Hayden) and Kirk Hendershot of Lovell and Thermopolis.


Education was a passion for Kevin. He loved to learn about history and current events. He shared his passion often by teaching others about what he had learned. He graduated from BYU with a degree in elementary education in 1978. After teaching in Utah for one year, Kevin soon began teaching fifth grade at Lovell Elementary School. He retired from that position in 1990. Since retirement, he spent his time and found his greatest joys in serving family members and friends.


Many will remember Kevin by his service. He was able to see when others were in need and knew how to give help by cleaning, doing yard work, detailing cars, playing the piano and sharing his humor and friendship. He loved spending time with friends, whether in good times or bad. Kevin was able to lift others through his service, gentleness and humor. He genuinely cared for those around him, even showing consideration for others the day of his passing. His musical talents were often shared in church, at funerals and at weddings. One of Kevin’s greatest joys was serving in the Billings Temple. He will be greatly missed by those he has touched.


Viewing was held Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2008, at Haskell Funeral Home. Funeral services for Kevin were held on Wednesday, Sept. 24, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Stake Center in Lovell.


In lieu of flowers, Kevin asked the money be donated to the LDS Perpetual Education Fund, BYU-Idaho, or NAMI (National Alliance for Mental Illnesses).