Lester Allen Kirkendall was cited Humanist of the Year in 1983 for his work as an educator and promoter of a rational approach to family living and human sexuality.

He was author of fifteen pamphlets on family skills, over 300 articles for professional journals, and several books, including Student's Guide to Marriage and Family Life (1980, eighth edition); New Bill of Sexual Rights and Responsibilities (1976); and Goals for American Educators (1948) and was co-editor of Marriage and Family Life in 2020.

Kirkendall received a BS from Kansas State College (now University) in 1928, an MA in 1931 and a PhD in 1935 from Columbia University. He held posts as a public school and college teacher, professor at the University of Oklahoma, US Educational Consultant, and professor at Oregon State University, 1949-1969, Emeritus, 1969. Dr. Kirkendall was a founding member of SIECUS and served on its Board of Directors. He served on the AHA Board of Directors and shared his ideas with many other groups and organizations. "I have taught or lectured in every state of the union, also in Europe, the Middle East, and the Orient," said Dr. Kirkendall. In May, 1991, he died at the age of 87.

--Lloyd Kumley
The Humanist of the Year Book 1953-1991