Ronald Dale “Ron” Mendenhall
Ronald Dale “Ron” Mendenhall, 74, of Star City, passed away at 8:26 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 25, at IU Health Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis.
Ron was born March 17, 1943, in Star City, to the late Carl and Olive Mendenhall. He attended Pulaski schools and graduated from Star City High School in 1961. After high school, he completed barber’s training at International Barber College. Ron was the owner and operator of Ron’s Barber Shop in Star City for more than 50 years. Aside from being a barber, he had also worked as a rural mail carrier. On Dec. 8, 1963, Ron married the love of his life, Karen Shaffer, in Argos. She survives. Ron served in the U.S. Army during Vietnam. He was a lifetime member of the VFW Post #1728 in Winamac and served many years with the Star City Volunteer Fire Department.
Ron was a lifelong member of the Pulaski Presbyterian Church in Pulaski, where he had served faithfully during the years. He was a member and past-master of the Winamac Masonic Lodge #262 F&AM and had received his Award of Gold. He was also a member of the Scottish Rite in South Bend. Ron was member of the OES Tippecanoe Chapter #96 and was the current Junior Past Grand Patron of the Indiana Grand Chapter OES.
Ron enjoyed the outdoors, especially mowing, gardening and farming. He was a hardworking and kind man who never knew a stranger. He had a great sense of humor. Ron loved his family very much. He will be sadly missed by his friends and family.
He is survived by his wife Karen Shaffer Mendenhall of Star City; daughter Melissa Alexander of Culver; grandsons: Timothy “Gil” Alexander, and Thadeus “Thad” Alexander; brother-in-law Norman D. Bathke of Medaryville; nephews: Doug Bathke of Medaryville, and Chuck [Sally] Bathke of Medaryville; and niece Diana [David] Ricks of Greenfield.
He was preceded in death by his parents Carl J. and Olive G. (Fisher) Mendenhall; infant son Rodney J. Mendenhall; sister Judith A. Bathke; and stepmother June Mendenhall.
Visitation was from noon–8 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 29, at Frain Mortuary in Winamac. Masonic services were at 7 p.m. Sunday followed by OES services. Funeral services were at 2 p.m. Monday, Oct. 30, at Frain Mortuary in Winamac. Pastor Tom Richards officiated. Burial took place at Star City West Cemetery in Star City. The American Legion and VFW conducted military graveside services.
Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.
Online condolences may be offered in the guestbook at www.frainmortuary.com.
(Pulaski County Journal — Nov. 1, 2017)