USAF Lt. Col. (Ret) David Michael Kender

David Michael Kender September 12, 1941 – September 21, 2026

USAF Lt. Col. (Ret) David Michael Kender, of Fairborn, Ohio, passed away on September 21, 2026, at the age of 85. Born September 12, 1941, to John A. Kender and Ida Lou Kender (née Alspauch), David lived a life marked by service, education, adventure, and family.

David was married to Ursula Ann Kender (née Rawdon) for 62 years. Together they shared a life filled with family, travel, friendships, and adventure.

David is survived by Ursula; his daughter, Kimberly Taylor, and his son, Matthew Kender; his son-in-law, Eugene Taylor, with whom he enjoyed many spirited discussions and debates; his brothers, Rick Kender and his wife, Micki, and Tom Kender and his wife, Tonya; his sisters-in-law, Mary Carol Bohn and Victoria Rawdon; one niece and many nephews; his three grandchildren, Morgan Kender, Megan Kender, and Evan Kender; and his former daughter-in-law, Erin Kender, who remained a cherished part of the family.

David graduated from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, in 1964 and went on to serve 24 years in the United States Air Force. During the Vietnam War, he flew nearly 400 combat hours as an MC-130E Electronic Warfare Officer. In 1970, he was selected as a mission planner and aircrew member for the prisoner-of-war rescue attempt at Son Tay, North Vietnam. For his service, David and his fellow crew members were awarded the Silver Star.

After retiring from the Air Force, David continued his career in education. He joined the faculty of Wright State University in 1992, where he ultimately served as Senior Lecturer in the Department of Biomedical, Industrial, and Human Factors Engineering. He taught and mentored students for more than three decades.

David remained active in his love of sailing and was a member of the Miami Valley Model Yacht Club, enjoying radio-controlled sailing, racing, and the friendships that came with it.

He will be missed by his family and by his many friends, former students, colleagues, and sailing companions.

Visitation will be a private family event. David will be laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery with full military honors. 

A Celebration of Life will be held from 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM, Sunday, November 15, 2026, at the American Legion Post 598, 5700 Kentshire Drive, Dayton, OH, 45440. Light appetizers & refreshments will be served. This is a casual, drop-in gathering! Stop by for a quick visit or stay for awhile to enjoy refreshments, share memories, and spend time with family and friends. Visitors may come at any time during the celebration. 

 Arrangements in care of Belton-Stroup Funeral Home, Fairborn, OH.