MARION, IN - Kerry David Kind (May 27, 1951 to May 21, 2023) was a loving husband, dedicated father, and unwavering servant of the Lord. He began his journey in Columbia City, Indiana, before moving to Marion, Indiana in 9th grade. He went on to complete studies at Purdue University, where he sang in the Purdue Glee Club, and Asbury Theological Seminary.

In 1972, he married Jule Lytle, and their devoted marriage crossed the half century mark in December 2022. Their faithfulness lives on in their three children: Kara Parsons (Tom) of Watkinsville, Georgia, Andrea Summers (Jeremy) of Marion, Indiana, and Paul Kind (Brooke) of Altadena, California.

Kerry also shines brightly in his 11 grandchildren, who brought immeasurable joy to his life: Bryce, Thomas, Becca, Bailey, and Allie Parsons, Macy, Ava, Micah, and Ty Summers, and Lyla and Jack Kind. His memory is also kept alive by his father, George Kind and his sister, Kathy Hodson. Kerry was preceded in death by his mother, JoAnn Kind.

As a teenager, Kerry Kind chose to follow Jesus because of the youth outreach of College Wesleyan Church in Marion, Indiana. Coming full circle, Kerry also sought comfort and spiritual growth as a member of College Wesleyan during his final months.

Kerry served The Wesleyan Church with steadfast dedication for nearly five decades. His service took him from being a local pastor in Michigan to a missionary in Sierra Leone, West Africa, and then to a denominational leader in Global Partners, Education & the Ministry, and Communications.

His courageous spirit shone brightly during his decade-long battle with pulmonary fibrosis. Kerry's journey through those challenging years was marked by grace, courage, and surrender, inspiring many. Full of gratitude, he was given the gift of new lungs on November 13, 2022, and for a time, he could breathe again.

Kerry’s passions were as diverse as they were numerous. He expressed his love for God through singing, teaching the Bible, mentoring, and praying faithfully for others. He cherished time with his grandchildren, telling story after story and joining in countless hours of games. For 21 consecutive summers, he hosted his children and grandchildren for a week-long vacation, creating memories that would last several lifetimes. He was a voracious learner, fueled by extensive travel and reading. He coached his son’s youth soccer teams, won trophies in racquetball and table tennis, competed in high-level online chess matches with players around the globe, and sought adventure backpacking across mountain ranges.

Kerry Kind was a man of immense faith, resilient spirit, and boundless love, and his legacy of service, devotion, and insatiable curiosity continues to inspire those fortunate enough to share some steps on his journey.

On Saturday, May 27, 2023, College Wesleyan Church, 200 E. 38th St., Marion, Indiana will host a visitation at 11:00 a.m. and a service to honor Kerry’s life at 1:00 p.m. with Rev. Dr. Steve DeNeff officiating, which will be live-streamed at live.collegewes.com. Flowers may be delivered to the church between 9:30 – 11:00 a.m. on Saturday.

Memorial gifts may be given to Global Partners for the Sierra Leone (West Africa) National Ministry or to College Wesleyan Church for the youth ministry.
www.GPonline.org/projects – select WM05-0192
collegewes.ccbchurch.com – select Give, then Kerry Kind Memorial
For additional information and to view Kerry’s online obituary, please visit www.churchfuneralsdirect.com.


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