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David Mendenhall Obituary

MENDENHALL, DAVID CHARLES Feb. 20, 1915 to Aug. 18, 2009 He was born in Santa Ana, CA to Charles S. Mendenhall and Nellie Griswold. David Charles Mendenhall was a 4th generation rancher on Palomar Mountain. His great-grandfather, Enos T. Mendenhall was one of the original homesteaders and began the cattle business on Palomar Mountain, which has remained in the family for 140 years. He graduated from Escondido High School in 1934 and attended college in Pasadena, CA. After college he became Chief Engineer for the Harlow Aircraft Company, at 22 years old. Later, he worked as a Senior Engineer at Ryan Aeronautical Co. in San Diego in addition to ranching. He led a team of engineers who developed several aircraft of advanced design, including supersonic drones and the vertical take-off XV5 fan-lift jet. David was an active member of the California Cattlemens Association for many years. He enjoyed travel and dancing. David is survived by his sister, Barbara Darbonne of Rancho Bernardo; son, J. David Mendenhall of Palomar Mountain; daughter, Lina Mendenhall of Encinitas, CA; grandson, Thomas Mendenhall of Fallbrook, CA; granddaughter, Mary White of Phoenix, AZ and three great-grandchildren. A memorial will be at 10:00 a.m., on Saturday, August 29th, Alhiser-Comer Mortuary, 225 S. Broadway, Escondido, CA. The family suggests that memorial contributions may be made to Elizabeth Hospice, 150 Crest St., Escondido, CA 92025.

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Published by San Diego Union-Tribune on Aug. 27, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
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Chris Stanley

June 1, 2021

To the Mendenhall Family,
I am sorry for your loss of Mr. Mendenhall and I apologize for using this means of trying to contact J Dave Mendenhall, his son. I am the brother of Bill Stanley who was Dave's close friend when he was about 20. They traveled to Spain together and spent almost a year immersed in the world of flamenco, but parted ways and lost touch in the years that followed. Bill has passed away recently and I wanted Dave to know. I also want Dave to know that a book is being published that Bill wrote about the adventure that he and Dave had in Spain. I would like to send Dave a copy of what Bill wrote, before we complete the publishing process. If this can get to Dave, he can contact me at [email protected]

August 28, 2009

I'll never forget the wonderful Mendenhall family reunions at Felicita Park. Uncle Charley and Aunt Nellie were truly gracious people and always welcomed us to their home. I tried to find the house recently, but everything looked so different!
Please accept my sincere sympathy for the loss of David.
Jacqueline Griswold De Shong.
St. Paul's Manor, San Diego, CA

Pam Homan

August 27, 2009

A quick wit, a ready smile, an expressive story teller, a great sense of humor, and a caring heart. That's my favorite uncle who I will miss so very much. My most tender wishes of peace to my cousins Dave, Lina and my Aunt Barbara.

Robert Bowman

August 27, 2009

A very smart and great practical enginner that I worked with at Ryan for many many years. My condolences to the Mendenhall familly of Palomar Mountan, Robert W. Bowman, Julian, Ca.

Vincent Rossi

August 27, 2009

Please accept my condolences for Mr. Mendenhall's death. I met him when I was doing research for a history article I was writing about his great-grandfather Enos which appeared in the Union-Tribune in September 2007.
I was referred to him by Arlie Bergman, and was happy to discover we were neighbors living within a few blocks from each other in Rancho Bernardo.
David graciously lent me a photo of Enos to use in my article. I recall when he answered his door and I was greeted by the eyes and face of Enos. I also recall his joking comment on handing me the picture of his great-grandfather, who looked rather stern: "Not somebody you'd fool around with, eh?"
Two years later he again gave me permission to use the photo in my book, "From Field to Town," a collection of my history articles. I was happy to give him a copy of the book. I hope he enjoyed it. In our brief meetings I always found him to be an articulate, down-to-earth, good natured man who seemed to have great curiosity about and love for life.

Ruth Mendenhall Hurtt

August 27, 2009

When I was seven years old, I broke my arm while roller skating and David carried me all the way home. He's been my hero ever since. I will miss knowing he is in this world. Love from his cousin

melva tuggey

August 27, 2009

To Dave's family and good friends: I share your sadness in Dave's passing. I worked with Dave many years at Ryan Aeronautical/Teledyne Ryan and will remember him always as the fine gentleman and friend that he was to me. May he now rest in peace. My deepest sympathy to all of you.

David McFadden

August 27, 2009

I was saddened to hear of Davids passing but remember wonderful conversations with him when he came into the store. I know he is now in a far better place.
David McFadden
McFadden Feed Co.

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