Kendal Charles Cummings was born October 23, 1926 in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, to Floyd and Luella (Gilchrist) Cummings. He graduated from Fargo Central High School, served in the United States Army Air Corps, and attended college at NDAC, which is now NDSU. He completed his degree ahead of time and upon early graduation, he was directly recruited by G.E. for the Mercury and Gemini Space Program.

Kendal married Floretta Haisley on May 6, 1950 in Binghamton, New York. Kendal worked for G.E. & Motorola before he was self employed as a business and tax counselor.
Kendal volunteered for many years at Elim Care Center in Fargo. He was also an active volunteer with the Boy Scouts of America and his local Methodist Church. Kendal was a life member of Kiwanis International.

Kendal died January 14, 2013 at Elim Care Center in Fargo, at the age of 86. He is survived by his wife, Floretta, Fargo; sons, David Cummings, Franklin, TN; Kevin Cummings, East Syracuse, NY; three brothers, Evan Cummings, Fargo, ND; Lawrence Cummings, Rockford, Il; Forrest Cummings, Alberta, Canada; and two special grandchildren, Rachel and Spencer Cummings, Franklin, TN. He was preceded in death by his grandparents; parents, Floyd and Luella; sister, Irma Ford; brothers, Vance, Roger, and Brian Cummings.

Kendal bequeathed his body to the UND School of Medicine. A Prayer Service was held at Elim Care Center in Fargo.