Walter A. Mendenhall

Walter Mendenhall of St. Michaels died peacefully on January 6, 2101 at the age of 92. A loving husband, father, friend, and brother, he was born August 2, 1917 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to Albert T. Mendenhall and Julia Loux Mendenhall. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Norman and Albert, and an infant daughter, Holly. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Mildred (Keller); his sister, Ruth Wilson of Downingtown, Pennsylvania; his son and daughter-in-law, Tom and Cathy Mendenhall of St. Michaels; two granddaughters, Julia Graham (Christopher) of Wilmington, Delaware, and Jennie Secor (Paul) of Simpsonville, Kentucky; and two step-grandchildren, Elizabeth Meadows (Bill) of Prospect, Kentucky, and David Farnsworth (Lauren) of New York City. He is also survived by five great-grandchildren: Hunter, Simon, Abigail, and Olivia Secor, and Peyton Meadows. Walt was a graduate of Upper Darby High School and the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School. A veteran of World War II, he served in North Africa and Italy from 1943 until the conclusion of the war. He was among the very first to be knowledgeable in the use of “IBM equipment” which he put to use in support of the American forces. After the war he returned to SKF Industries in Philadelphia where he was employed for 20 years, and later at The Budd Company for 25 years in various accounting and management positions. A faithful Christian, he took great pleasure in striding his Bible, and serving in his various local churches over the years. Well-informed, he loved to read and study history, was ardently conservative, and was always ready to engage in political discussions – good naturedly, but with great conviction. A service celebrating Walt’s life will be held at 12:00 noon on Monday, January 11, 2010 at Christ Church in St. Michaels with burial to follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in St. Michaels. Friends may call at the Fellows, Helfenbein & Newnam Funeral Home in Easton on Sunday, January 10, 2010 from 3:00 until 4:30 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Wye River Upper School, PO Box 36, Wye Mills, MD 21679, or the St. Michaels Community Center, PO Box 354, St. Michaels, MD 21663. Fellows, Helfenbein & Newnam Funeral Home, P.A. 200 South Harrison Street, Easton, MD 21601 410-822-3131

Walter A. Mendenhall

August 2, 1917 - January 6, 2010