Wendell Franklin Lauth

Wendell Franklin Lauth, age 94, of Bristolville passed away peacefully at his home on January 13, 2026. Wendell was born August 11, 1931, in Southington, Ohio, to the late Harold and Edna (Mobley) Lauth. A lifelong educator, historian, and public servant, he devoted his life to learning, teaching, and preserving the history of his community and state.
In June of 1953, Wendell graduated from Case University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry. After finishing two years of active duty in the Army, he attended summer classes at Kent State to prepare for a career teaching mathematics and chemistry. His dedication to education led him into administrative leadership, serving as Superintendent of Bristolville Schools from 1961 to 1966, and later as Superintendent of Girard Schools from 1970 to 1976.
Wendell was deeply involved in civic and historical organizations throughout Ohio. He was very active in the Ohio State Grange and was widely known for sharing his passion for history through innovative multimedia and slide presentations beginning in the 1970s. These presentations were given in schools, women's groups, and community settings, making history accessible and engaging to audiences of all ages.
For 25 years, Wendell accompanied the Packard Band during the Packard Music Hall Christmas concerts, enhancing the performances with his carefully prepared multimedia slide presentations.
Wendell was a founding trustee of the National Packard Museum and later served as its president. He also served as a trustee of the Ohio Historical Society in Columbus. Locally, he was president of the Bristol Historical Society, hosting their popular bus tours to dozens of national historic sites. His expertise was also sought as a consultant to the architect during the restoration of the Trumbull County Courthouse.
A gifted lecturer and storyteller, Wendell participated in cemetery walks beginning at the McKinley Memorial Library in Niles, where he spoke about past residents who lost their lives in pivotal wars, ensuring their sacrifices were remembered.
He is survived by his niece and nephews, Deborah (Tom) Daugherty, David (Jane) Downs, Tim (Sue) Downs; great nieces and nephews, Cristina (Dennis), Casey (Marie), Carey (Andy), Tom (Teryn), and Bill (Jordan); great-great-nieces and nephews, Cadence, Abby, Felicity, Anna, Eli, Amelia, and Augustus; along with several, cousins, and extended family members.
Calling hours will be held Monday January 19, 2026, from 4 until 6 pm at Lane Funeral Home, Roberts-Clark Chapel 180 Garfield Dr. NE Warren, OH 44483. A graveside service will be held Wednesday January 21, 2026, at 11 am at Sager Cemetery, Bristolville, OH. Online condolences can be made at www.lanefuneralhomes.com.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Trumbull County Historical Society 328 Mahoning Ave. NW., Warren, OH 44483 or to the Bristol Historical Society 7100 Thompson Clark Rd., Bristolville, OH 44402 To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Wendell, please visit our floral store.