Gerald "Jerry" Clyde Kendall, born October 17, 1954, in Ontario, Oregon, passed away unexpectedly on May 5, 2026. He leaves behind a legacy rooted in family, friendship, rodeo, and the hardworking cowboy way of life. At just two years old, Jerry moved to Paul, Idaho, where he grew up working alongside his father Clyde Kendall. It was there he learned the tireless work ethic and values that would define him forever.
Jerry married Bobe on April 5, 1974, and together they raised three children, Skeeter, Brogan, and Clyde. Jerry loved being a father and ensured his kids were always by his side. Whether he was hauling to rodeos, working the farm, roping the dummy, or simply running errands in the pickup, his children were his constant shadows. Brogan quickly became his favorite travel buddy because he'd sleep sitting up for the whole drive, never taking up extra room by lying down. Jerry was deeply involved in his children's rodeo lives, taking immense pride in watching them carry on the traditions he cherished.
Rodeo was the heartbeat of Jerry's life. A respected team roper, he won the Dodge Circuit Finals multiple times and even won the Century Roping at the Caldwell Night Rodeo. He had more roping wins than most could count, supported by a long list of great partners who shared in his success. Jerry was well%u2011known for his talent in the arena, his willingness to share his knowledge, and his natural knack for finding a good horse—which almost always ended up with one of his kids or grandkids. Beyond his skill with horses, he had a deep love for trading western silver and could famously turn just about anything into a deal or a trade.
Jerry shared a special bond with his son, Clyde. They talked nearly every day, discussing horses, family, and life. Jerry was proud to watch Clyde build a successful life through hard work and pass those traditional values down to Kayden and Raygen (his grandchildren). He also loved his daughter, Skeeter, deeply. Though miles often separated them, Jerry was her first call for everything; he made sure she always felt his protection, keeping her in the loop and calling often to ensure she knew he was always there for her and the girls.
The loss of his son, Brogan, was a weight Jerry carried daily. He missed him deeply and spoke of him often, yet he channeled that grief into pouring even more love into Brogan's children and family.
Jerry's greatest joy was his family, especially his grandchildren and great%u2011grandchildren. If you saw Jerry, there was a good chance Blake, Riley, or BoDean were nearby. Blake was his main hunting buddy and served as his personal game butcher—a skill Jerry loved to brag about. To say he was proud to watch Riley and BoDean work cattle in the branding pen and continue the cowboy way would be an understatement. He was also Kayden's biggest fan, often calling friends the day after a baseball or football game just to tell them how proud he was.
The girls brought out Jerry's softer side. He adored his "DipShit" granddaughters from New York, Shea and Elcie, making sure every trip to Idaho included the full country experience: tractor rides, squirrel hunting, and riding horses. He always made sure they had new boots and hats to take home. He cherished his granddaughter Raygen, and though he never quite understood the world of cheerleading, he loved asking her about it—usually followed by a tease about why she wasn't out riding Ruby instead. He also cherished Morgan's big hugs and sweet smile, and he loved teaching her to fish in his famous fish pond. The special friendship between Morgan and Raygen was something he thought was truly special.
Jerry's legacy continues through his great%u2011grandchildren. His little buddy, Huxin, was a light in his life, and Jerry was proud to begin teaching him the cowboy way. Jerry recently gifted Huxin his first horse through his best friend, Bruce Seal—a gesture that meant the world to him. He loved taking little Nova to see the cows and cherished every moment spent holding baby Doc. He was also eagerly awaiting the arrival of Bo's newest son; he is likely teaching him how to rope in heaven right now.
A man of connection, Jerry stayed close to those he loved. He maintained a lifelong friendship with Bobe Shurtz, the mother of his children and his best friend. She was often his first call to catch up on family happenings and figure out what everyone needed.
Jerry was known for his generosity, toughness, and huge heart. He believed in taking care of others, whether it was feeding people, teaching a kid to ride, or opening his home. He showed love through a rough hair rustle, a playful nudge, or a new nickname. If Jerry gave you a hard time, you knew you were one of his people.
Jerry is survived by his son, Clyde (Nicole); daughter, Skeeter (Dave); grandchildren, Blake, Riley (Morgan), BoDean (Diamond), Kayden, Raygen, Shea, Elcie, and Morgan; and his beloved great%u2011grandchildren, Huxin, Nova, and Doc. He was preceded in death by his son, Brogan Kendall.
As a family, we would like to express our gratitude to the Simplot Crew. We want to thank you for the appreciation, love, and support Jerry received from you all. You were like a second family to him.
