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MURRAY MENDENHALL Obituary

MURRAY JOSEPH MENDENHALL, JR., 88, died Friday, Feb. 7, 2014, at Coventry Meadows where he had resided for three years. He was born Oct. 22, 1925 in Fort Wayne, a son of Murray and Alice Mendenhall. He graduated from Central High School in 1944 and was a member of the 1943 State Basketball Championship team. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy in March, 1944, and served for two years. While in the Navy, he played basketball at Rice University for a team that won the Southwest Conference championship. After discharge, he enrolled in Indiana University, was a member of Branch McCracken's basketball team, and received his Bachelor's and Master's degrees. Prior to beginning his career in education and coaching, he played one year of professional basketball for the Anderson Packers in the National Basketball League. He taught mathematics and coached basketball at Beech Grove and Greensburg, Ind., and at Central, Snider, and South Side in Fort Wayne. He also taught, coached and served as Athletic Director at Indiana Technical College in Fort Wayne. He was inducted into the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame in 1996. He enjoyed playing bridge, euchre and golf. He was a member of Waynedale United Methodist Church. Surviving are his wife of 63 years, Miriam; son, Murray III (Cindy) of Fort Wayne; daughter, Susan (Ken) Nickels of Iowa City, Iowa; son, Tom (Beth) of Indianapolis; and a brother, Keith (Mary Lou) of Harlan; also seven grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Barbara Campbell, and her husband, John. Funeral service is 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2014 at D.O. McComb & Sons Covington Knolls Funeral Home, 8325 Covington Rd, with calling one hour prior. Pastor Mike Harris officiating. Calling also from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2014 at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Waynedale United Methodist Church or Visiting Nurse on Homestead Road or Coventry Meadows. To view the online obituary go to www.mccombandsons.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Fort Wayne Newspapers on Feb. 9, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for MURRAY MENDENHALL

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March 2, 2014

my condolences to the family of Mr mendenhall great teacher. former southside student.

Renee Albright

February 17, 2014

Dear Mendenhall family, I started teaching at South Side in 1986. Murray was an Archer icon. He was a well-respected gentleman and part of the "old school" staff that mystified me! They were so dedicated to the school and student body. He showed me by example what kind of staff member I should be. I'm so sorry for your loss and so grateful I worked with such a wonderful man.

Tim Sauerwein

February 17, 2014

Mr, Mendenhall was an important teacher that sparked my enthusiasm in math. I think fondly of him and his genuine friendliness, he was an important part of my 31 year career at NASA. He was a favorite person of my mom who taught at south side.

Mr. Bridge

George Davis

February 17, 2014

Murray & I played a lot of golf together where he sank a lot of putts with his Zebra putter. He & Miriam were regulars in our bridge club for many years. He & Ray Quance usually won the title of "Mr. Bridge".

February 13, 2014

Murray, so sorry to hear of your father's passing. My prayers to you and Cindy and your family. Sincerely, Brenda Knepper

Charlie Stanski

February 11, 2014

Mendy Jr. was a very good team mate on the 1943 championship team. He became a very good coach in Ft. Wayne. We have fond memories of playing for his dad.

Joanie Laker Scott

February 11, 2014

What a wonderful teacher who impacted my career path toward my MBA. May you rest in peace and may your family feel the comfort of God during this time. Blessings to you all.

February 11, 2014

Murray and I became friends playing together on the State Championship Basketball team from Central. He was truly the nicest person and I have fond memories of our time together. Sad that we have all lost such an exceptional person. My condolences to his family. Thomas Shopoff

Bob and Linda Thomas

February 10, 2014

Murray (Cindy), we were sorry to hear about the passing of your father. In Linda's senior year in 1965 Mr. Mendenhall arranged her first job with Joe Christoff. She more than appreciated his help and guidance that year. We are so sorry for your loss.

Pat Wilson

February 10, 2014

I enjoyed having Mr. Mendenhall for a math teacher when I went to South Side. He will be missed he was a great teacher and man to all his students.

Kaylynn (Coleman) Reed

February 10, 2014

Sincere condolences for the Mendenhall family. I remember Mr. Medenhall from South Side although I didn't have him for a teacher.

February 10, 2014

I was a member of the Math Department at SSHS with Murray. Also kept time and score book for many BB games. When I could not find my youngest son, I looked at the end of the bench in the old gym and there he sat.
My deepest sympathy to the entire Mendenhall family. Sincerely Dick Melton Dunnellon, Fl.

Mike Hawley

February 10, 2014

Murray and I coached football and track and field together at Snider in the early 70's, and he taught me many things that I would use in my coaching career. Thanks Murray. Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Mendenhall family.

Renee' Stephens

February 10, 2014

So sorry for your loss. Mr Mendenhall was the best math teacher. Lots of his students at South Side would agree with that. God bless.

The Tubbs Family

February 10, 2014

Our prayers go out to you and your family. It's been such a pleasure being coached and counseled by such a caring and dedicated couple ( two generations Wayne 1987-2007) God Bless

February 9, 2014

I taught with Murray at Snider and An and I played bridge with him for many years,I am sure he will be missed but he goes to a bettewr place. God bless the family from Florida. We will miss the funeral but will be thinking of you Miriam and the family. Take care. Jerry and Ann Miller

Dave DeHaven

February 9, 2014

Great memories playing golf with Murray at Brookwood and Lakeside. Privileged to get to know the Mendenhall's over the years what a gracious family always so kind and considerate and Murray always made you feel important.

Kelly O'neil

February 9, 2014

I remember him back in South Side, RIP, you were a great teacher

Jone Kenny-Fletcher

February 9, 2014

Mr Mendenhall was one of my favorite teachers, he was very patient with me and worked very had to help me understand math. We have all been Blessed to have had the privilege of having this wonderful man in our lives. My thoughts and Prayers go out to his family and friends, I am sorry for your loss.

steve kramer

February 9, 2014

so sorry miriam and murray 3rd. my father norm knew him well, and they were friends. he was a great man. legendary coach. god bless! sorry for your loss. sympathy. steve kramer, kendallville.

Chuck Lewton

February 9, 2014

I was fortunate to have played basketball for Murray at Northwood Junior High and Snider High School. I also had the privilege of coaching with him at South Side High School. Murray was a “Class act” and I learned a lot from him. I feel that I am a better person for having known and worked with him. So sorry for your loss.

February 9, 2014

My parents were friends of the Bobilyas (Chuck and Irene.) I would like to know what has become of Irene Bobilta Hiatt?? My sympathies to the Mendenhall family. They came to our home to hunt and fish with my father Daddy Graham. Great athletic family. Barbara mendenhall took me to movies when I visited Irene in the summer. Would enjoy hearing from the family. Janet Graham Grabill 5365 West Bachelor Rd. Angola In.

Misty Ayers

February 9, 2014

Mr. Mendenhall was my math teacher at South Side high. R.I.P Mr. Mendenhall!!
Sincere condolences to his family...

sally

February 9, 2014

I had the privilege of having Mr. Mendenhall as my math teacher at South Side. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family in this time of sorrow, God bless you Mr. Mendenhall for all that you have done and for all those you have helped

February 9, 2014

Mr. Mendenhall was one of my favorite Snider teachers and he was a great coach too! So glad I had the opportunity to know and learn from him. Julie Cleland Scott

Curtis O'Brien

February 9, 2014

Sorry for your loss. Our great coach at Greensburg 1952-1953

Deborah Yoder

February 9, 2014

Remembering Mr. Mendenhall fondly as the best coach ever at South Side High School (1973). My sincere condolences to the Mendenhall family.

Buss and Kay Shady

February 9, 2014

Our thoughts and prayers are of Miriam and all the family as you celebrate the wonderful life of Murray. Would love to be there but not possible.

Edith Pond

February 9, 2014

Praying for the Mendenhall family. I had the pleasure of having Mr. Mendenhall as my math teacher at South Side.

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