Kendal Charles Cummings was born October 23, 1926 in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, to Floyd and Luella (Gilcrist) Cummings. He graduated from Fargo Central High School, attended college, and served in the United States Air Force. Kendal married Floretta Haisley on May 6, 1950 in Binghamton, New York. He was self employed as a business and tax counselor.