John William Mengelson

MENGELSON FLORAHOME, FL - John William Mengelson, born October 5, 1963 died suddenly on Monday, January 18, 2010. He served for 20 years in the United States Coast Guard from February 8, 1982 until August 31, 2002 where he was stationed in Mayport, FL, Puerto Rico, Mobile, AL, Clearwater, and Miami, FL. He later joined Kenn-Air in April of 2003 and was a valued member of the team. John specialized in turbin engine and airframe maintenance and was an FAA inspector at the time of his passing. He loved being in and around the water, enjoyed scuba diving, snorkeling, deep sea fishing, spear fishing, boating, wake boarding and jet skiing. He also enjoyed assembling and flying remote controlled model airplanes. John shared a special bond with the light of his life, grandson, Noah, age 6. "Papa" and Noah were fishing buddies, Nascar buddies, and 4-wheeling buddies. Mostly they were just "being together" buddies. John spent many vacations traveling and exploring the United States with his wife of 27 years, Malinda, whom he married at age 19; son, John Wesley; and daughter, Angela Rose. John was known for telling everyone he knew that most people don't have a job they like, but he was lucky enough to have two dream jobs in his lifetime. When asked by others how he was doing, he would reply, "living the dream, man, living the dream." John is survived by his mother, Janine Poulet Mengelson of Mary Esther, FL; step-mother, Kathy Mengelson of Clearwater, FL; wife, Malinda Chandler Mengelson of Florahome, FL; son, John Wesley Mengelson, age 26, of Keystone Heights, FL; daughter, Angela Rose Mengelson, age 23 of Tallahassee, FL; brother, Eric Mengelson of Mary Esther, FL; sister, Elaine Mengelson of Smith, AL; grandson, Noah Wesley Mengelson, age 6; and granddaughter, Madison Hursh-Mengelson, age 2. John's life will be celebrated at a private service for family and friends on Wednesday, January 27, 2010 at 2 p.m. at the home of Ken Brown in Gainesville, Florida. Information can be obtained by calling 352-373-4000. An additional Celebration will be held on Thursday, January 28 in Clearwater, FL. There will be a gathering from 1 3 p.m. at Sylvan Abbey Funeral Home, 2853 Sunset Point Rd., Clearwater, FL with ceremony immediately following. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to a scholarship fund for John's grandchildren, c/o Focus Foundation, 29550 Detroit Road, Westlake, Ohio 44145. Arrangements are under the direction of WILLLIAMS-THOMAS F. H. WESTAREA.