Date of death: 06/16/2025
Saint Meinrad Class: O 1965
Reverend Henry L. Kuykendall, 85, senior priest of the Diocese of Evansville, died June 16, 2025 in Evansville. He was born November 4, 1939 in Pride, Kentucky to Harry E. and Mary Katherine (Mattingly) Kuykendall.
Father Henry attended St. Mary’s College in St. Mary, Kentucky; Fordham University in New York; and Sacred Heart School of Theology in Hales Corners, Wisconsin.
He was ordained a priest June 6, 1986, at St. Mary Parish in Evansville, by Bishop Francis R. Shea.
Father Henry served the Diocese of Evansville in a variety of ways, including: Associate Pastor of Holy Redeemer Parish, Evansville; Associate Pastor of St. John the Baptist Parish, Newburgh; Pastor of Nativity Parish, Evansville; and Pastor of Holy Spirit Parish, Evansville. During his time at Nativity Parish, Father Henry began Hispanic Ministry at the parish, including a weekly Mass in Spanish.
He also served as Coordinator, Catholic Ministry of the Deaf, in the Diocese of Evansville for many years. He retired from active ministry December 31, 2014.
Father Henry was preceded in death by his parents. Survivors include two sisters, Nancy (James) Oskins and Judy Kuykendall; two brothers, Jerry (Linda) Kuykendall and Michael (Alisa) Kuykendall; and many nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.