Kevin Thomas Pender at age 59, passed away peacefully on Monday September 21, 2026, at The Ohio State Wexner Medical Center surrounded by his family.

Kevin was born November 25, 1966 in Davenport, Iowa. Kevin was the son of William C. Pender and Reta A. Pender. He was a wonderful husband, father, brother, uncle and friend whose life touched many people.

Kevin was married to his beloved wife, Michelle (Marn) Pender for 26 years . Together they shared a life filled with joy, laughter, and so much love for 35 years.

Left to carry on his memory include his wife, Michelle (Marn) Pender; his daughters, Emily Pender and Ashley Pender; his mom, Reta (Leutje) Pender; his two brothers, John Pender (his wife, Pam), Billy Pender; and nieces, nephews and cousins.

In death, Kevin is reunited with his father, William C. Pender; his sister, Suzy M. Pender; his father in-law, Philip J Marn and his mother in-law, Audrey M. Marn.

Throughout his life, Kevin was known for his love of the outdoors, his sense of humor, and his ability to find joy in the simple things. He loved spending time outside, grilling with a cold Miller Lite in his hand, and enjoying the company of the people he loved most. He and his wife shared a love of hiking and made the most of every opportunity to get outdoors together.

Kevin found great joy in sharing his love of sports with family and friends. He especially enjoyed watching college football, cheering on Notre Dame, Ohio State and he was a true Bengals fan through and through. However, he had a small soft spot for the Browns…mostly because his wife's family loved them. When the Browns and Bengals faced off, the games brought the families together for plenty of cheering.

Kevin also loved golf and was always happy for an opportunity to spend time on the course. At home, he had a knack for finding a new project to start. There was always something to fix, build, change or improve. Whether he finished the project or not was sometimes another story! Those unfinished projects will forever serve as a loving reminder of Kevin’s determination, curiosity and ability to always find something new to take on. They are a small part of the legacy of the man who enjoyed life, embraced new adventures and never ran out of things to do.

Above all else, Kevin loved his family. His love for his wife, Michelle, and his girls, Emily and Ashley, was beyond measure. He and Michelle shared a life filled with love, laughter, adventures, and countless memories; simply enjoying the everyday moments of life. She was his partner, his soulmate, his best friend, and the person by his side through it all. Their love was evident in the way they cared for one another and in the life they built together. His love for his girls was just as extraordinary. They were his pride and his joy, and there was absolutely nothing he wouldn't do for them. His love for his family will continue to live on in every memory, every story, and every moment they carry with them.

Kevin will be remembered not only for the things he loved, but for the laughter, memories, stories, and love he gave to the people fortunate enough to know him. His presence will be deeply missed, but his love will remain with his family and friends forever.

Family and friends are invited to gather on Friday, October 2, 2026 from 12-1pm in St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, 4500 Ackerman Blvd., Kettering. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in his honor beginning at 1:00pm.

A Celebration of Kevin’s life will follow the Mass at Geez Grill & Pub, 6061 Far Hills Ave, beginning at 3:30pm.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made in Kevin's name to The James Cancer Hospital at the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, https://cancer.osu.edu/for-donors-and-volunteers/how-to-donate/donate-by-cancer-type or to the American Cancer Society, https://www.cancer.org/donate.

The WESTBROCK & DANIEL FUNERAL HOME- KETTERING is serving his family.