Reverend Dr. Kerry David Kind, 72, former general director of Education and the Ministry (now Education and Clergy Development) for The Wesleyan Church, died on May 21, 2023, in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Dr. Kind was a loving husband, dedicated father and unwavering servant of the Lord. He began his journey on May 27, 1951, in Columbia City, Indiana, before moving to Marion, Indiana, in ninth 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), in Watkinsville, Georgia; Andrea Summers (Jeremy) in Marion, Indiana; and Paul Kind (Brooke) in Altadena, California.
Dr. Kind 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. Dr. Kind was preceded in death by his mother, JoAnn Kind.
As a teenager, Dr. Kind chose to follow Jesus because of the youth outreach of College Wesleyan Church in Marion, Indiana. Coming full circle, he also sought comfort and spiritual growth as a member of College Wesleyan during his final months.
Dr. Kind 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 and the Ministry, and Communications.
His courageous spirit shone brightly during his decade-long battle with pulmonary fibrosis. Dr. Kind’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.
His 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.
Dr. 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.
Visitation and celebration of life were held on Saturday, May 27, 2023, at College Wesleyan Church in Marion, Indiana. A recording of the service can be viewed on the events page of College Wesleyan Church.
