Kendall Oliver Schlenker

Kendall Oliver Schlenker

May 12, 1933 – February 22, 2026

Last week New Mexico lost one of its most interesting and accomplished citizens, attorney Kendall Oliver Schlenker, age 92. .

Kendall was a man of faith, a star athlete, a brilliant student, a pilot of balloons and small aircraft, a diplomat, a philanthropist, a patron of the arts, an attorney of sterling reputation for over six decades, and a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.

Kendall was born on May 12, 1933, in a German community in West Texas. Following a short time living in California as part of the war effort, he returned to attend Eastern New Mexico University in Portales, New Mexico. He attended college on a dual athletic scholarship for basketball and football. He was a very involved student at ENMU and was elected student body president as a write-in candidate, despite not having run for the position. He was later honored by ENMU with an Outstanding Alumni Award.

In Portales, he met and married Wilda Ingram. They built a life grounded in hard work, faith, and family. Wilda was the backbone of Kendall's success. Her gracious and steady presence throughout their 57 years of marriage allowed Kendall's professional and personal life to flourish. Kendall and Wilda raised three children. He delighted in his role as a father and grandfather and was known lovingly within the family as “Papa.”

Kendall was strongly encouraged to pursue a career in law by his teachers and mentors. He earned his law degree from the University of New Mexico School of Law in 1957. As a third-year law student, he clerked for Chief Judge Eugene B. Lujan Jr. at the New Mexico Supreme Court. Schlenker began private practice in Farmington, New Mexico. His practice started broadly — civil, criminal, whatever clients needed — but eventually focused on tax law. He went on to earn his Master of Laws in Taxation from New York University. It is believed that he held the first L.L.M. degree in New Mexico.

Over the course of his career, Kendall tried several high-profile cases before the New Mexico Supreme Court. He successfully argued a case before the United States Supreme Court, a rare achievement for any attorney. His expertise In tax and estate planning made him well-known and respected. He advised clients throughout New Mexico, the southwest, and all the way to Australia.

His impact on the legal community reached well beyond his own clients. Kendall helped draft many pieces of legislation and policy that are still valid law to this day. In an oral history interview by the NM State Bar, he stated his greatest accomplishment in his career was helping to draft the Equal Rights Amendment in 1972. That legislation updated New Mexico’s law to ensure gender equality in the areas of taxation and property inheritance.

Schlenker also acted as a mentor and advisor for countless young attorneys, including several who went on to serve on the New Mexico Supreme Court. He also taught various courses at the Anderson School of Management at the University of New Mexico and was frequently consulted as an expert on taxes and estates for the New Mexico State Bar.

Even outside of his legal practice, his generosity was legendary. He was responsible for the building of churches, the founding of multiple businesses, and the long time support of many artists and charitable endeavors throughout his life. He also served as a member of the New Mexico Amigos and proudly represented New Mexico in international contexts.

Wilda preceded him in death in 2011. Kendall married Andrea Varela in 2013 and they lived happily in Los Lunas, New Mexico, until he passed away peacefully on February 22, 2026.

He is survived by his wife, Andrea; his three children, Julie Case ( Bill), Cindy Schlenker-Davies (Pat), Kenyon (Zoe) and his step-daughter, Nancy Wren. He leaves behind nine grandchildren: James, Timothy, Andrew, and Lily Case; Sam, Kendall, and Philip Davies: Christian, Stephen, Luke, and Helen Schlenker; eight great-grandchildren, Elliette, Jonas, Callahan, Elaine, Owen, Amelia, Nehemiah, and Marshall.

Kendall was predeceased by his parents, Harold and Hazel Schlenker, and sisters Pauline Tischler, Leeann Keller and Linda Pearson. Kendall is survived by his brother Charles (Ann) Schlenker of Eldorado Hills, California.

Kendall is also survived by his lifelong best friend Bill Kinyon and his wife, Gail, of Clovis, NM. What started as a college friendship became a life-long gift with many adventures around the world. Bill is the namesake for Kendall’s son, Kenyon.

After more than 60 years in the law, Kendall leaves behind more than a successful law career. He leaves behind lives changed — colleagues he mentored, families he guided, and friends who experienced his humor and quiet generosity firsthand. He practiced law with conviction, mentored with patience, and gave freely of his time. He was a man of deep humility and wisdom. Kendall’s legacy will live on through his family and in the many lives he touched for generations.

An oral history of his career by the New Mexico State Bar can be found online by searching for Kendall O. Schlenker, Esq.

https://youtu.be/EXWw9zUgHNI?si=w0lk1X_e2MlL9d72