Francis Dow Kindred

F. Dow Kindred, 98, Lexington, KY passed away on December 26, 2018 after a short illness. He was born on April 26, 1920 in Bullitt County, KY. He was the son of the late Henry Dow & Viola Tribble Kindred. He grew up in Versailles, KY and graduated from Versailles High School. He then hitchhiked three years to Transylvania University on a scholarship playing in the band. He enlisted in the Naval Reserve and transferred to the University of Kentucky. After graduation, he reported to Midshipman School at Northwestern University graduating as an ensign. He was assigned to minesweeper duty aboard ship for three years eventually becoming the Captain of YMS 443. The 443 participated in various operations ending in Japan and returning to the U.S. in March 1946. He is preceded in death by his wife Betty Longsworth Kindred, whom he was happily married to for 52 years. He is survived by their three sons, Shelby (Mary Beth), Lawrence (Deborah), and Lantz (Lesley) and 5 grandchildren, Katie Kindred Bowland, Hannah Kindred, Will Kindred, Meredith Kindred Brown, and Sarah Kindred. After several trial jobs, he entered the home building business and eventually developed subdivisions and built several hundred homes in Central Kentucky. He was a founding member and twice president of the Lexington Homebuilders Association, a 40 year member and one time president of the Lexington Real Estate Board. He was a charter member of the Bluegrass Kiwanis Club. Dow loved music and playing his saxophone. In college, he played in various dance bands; primarily one out of Frankfort called the “Troubadours.” He played 20 years with the Central Kentucky Concert Band and until recently, he was still playing in the Young at Heart big band and the Immanuel Baptist Church orchestra. A Celebration of Life will be held from 3-4 PM, Sunday, December 30, 2019 at Clark Legacy Center-Brannon Crossing in Nicholasville. Family will receive visitors from 2-3 PM, prior to the Celebration of Life on Sunday.