Steven Wayne Mendenhall ~ Class of 1978

Steven Mendenhall ~ Class of 1978

Arrived ~ 12/1/1959

Departed ~ 11/18/2023

11/18/23 – Lovingly posted by his sister Sandra Mendenhall Davis

Yesterday, God called one of his angels home. My brother, Steven Mendenhall, had his tenth heart attack, but he didn’t survive this one. Our hearts are aching. Words fail to describe how much we loved this man. He was teaching his class the day before he died. He always made people laugh, he cared so much for his students that he was repeatedly chosen as Teacher of the year. He went into the Navy when he was 17 and stayed in nearly 20 years before “retiring” and starting his second career as a teacher.

Steven Mendenhall Obituary


Steven Wayne Mendenhall was loved and admired by those who knew him. He was the sixth child born from the union of Lauren D. and Anna L. Mendenhall on December 1, 1959 in Fredericktown, Missouri.

In 1960, his parents divorced and his father, Lauren met and married Paula June Spiro in 1961. Paula raised Steven and his minor siblings. Lauren and Paula had a total of eleven children collectively. Being a part of a large family had its rewards. He enjoyed planting crops with the family in the Spring and harvesting them in the Fall to sell to the community. Having that entrepreneurial spirit at such a young age – – Steven realized that hard work can reap great rewards, because his parents would use some of the profit from the farm harvest to take, he and his siblings to Disneyland.

In 1966, at the age of seven, Steve’s parents moved most of the family to Bangkok, Thailand (Thai) for a job opportunity. This was an interesting and very significant transition for the entire family as they moved to Thailand. Steven attended Elementary School at the International School of Bangkok. Life changed substantially for the entire family as they immersed themselves in this new and exciting culture. Servants were hired to care for the family to take care of responsibilities previously assigned to the children. This experience challenged and encouraged Steven to learn as much as possible about the Thai language, culture and explore the possibilities of other cultures. While in Thailand, Steven became an Eagle Boy Scout which helped to mold his future. Steve’s thirst for knowledge and travel resulted in extensive and exciting travel adventures which were led by his mother, Paula. In 1972, the family moved back to the United States to Midwest City, Oklahoma.

During his childhood, Steven appreciated the simple things in life, such as eating “Goldenrod Egg Sandwiches” on Easter morning, playing tennis with their grandfather, making Christmas presents for the family, gathering around the organ in the evening to sing Christmas Carols and when the weather was warm, they loved playing hide and seek, kick the can, several sports and numerous board games.

At age sixteen (1976), Steve joined and began serving in the United States Navy. This was an exciting and remarkable time for him as he held numerous responsibilities: Aircraft Logbook Yeoman, Aviation Maintenance Administrative-man, Data Analyst, First Class Petty Officer, Informix/Unix Data Base Administrator, Production Control Supervisor. In his service: Awarded Two Navy Achievement Medals. Tours: Desert Storm Veteran.

While in the military, Steve met and married Debbie Rivers and from their union they had three children (Steven, David and Michelle). After twenty years in the Navy, Steve and Debbie divorced. Recognizing that he had to actualize his academic dreams, he pursued and earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Special Education from Nova Southeastern University and he also became an Ordained Minister.

In 2009, Steven met Richelle Glascoe. They instantly recognized they had much in common. Both were seekers of education, wisdom and persons who sought to pursue excellence in what they sought to accomplish, as well as to encourage others to identify the very best in themselves. They had almost fifteen years together. Richelle loved Steven Wayne Mendenhall profusely and felt so blessed to have found him!

Steven was a walking Dictionary and/or Encyclopedia. Whenever there was a question, he generally had the answer. Outside of his love for God, Richelle and his family, Steven loved the New York METS baseball team. Because of his love for baseball, Steve was excited about his children (Steven, David, Michelle, William), grandson (Santino) and great-grand daughter (Alayna) playing t-ball/baseball. He also coached on several of the teams.
Not only was baseball a major part of Steve’s life but as an Eagle Boy Scout, Steven was proud that his son, William, “followed in his footsteps” and became a Boy Scout as well.

Steven loved teaching. He loved his students. He loved the academic environment but more important, the students loved him. After twenty years of teaching for Duval County Public Schools, Steve did an exceptional job helping his students excel. He had a charismatic and funny personality that people were drawn to. He also enjoyed playing Santa Claus at Christmas and riding on the trolley in St. Augustine waving at everyone saying “Ho-Ho-Ho”. The kids would get so excited and so would Steve. His goal in life was to be a God-fearing man, provide security and stability for his family, travel, laugh and enjoy life to the fullest with his wife, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

He was affectionately referred to as “Steven Little Wayne” and “Dad” via his children, “Crampa” and “Grampie” by grandchildren/great grandchildren and “Hubby” by his wife, Richelle. Steve was an exceptional man who was a wealth of knowledge and loved to share his love for history. He was a true comedic and the Mendenhall home was filled with love and laughter. His favorite pastime was reading, watching documentaries, traveling, “telling dad jokes/puns”, dancing and having fun which led to laughter from those around him! He will be missed!!! Steven was a rare jewel!

After a long and hard-fought battle with health issues, Steven passed away on Saturday, November 18, 2023. He leaves to mourn his wife, Richelle Mendenhall; children, Steven Mendenhall (Paulina), David Mendenhall (Sarah), Michelle (Mendenhall) McCarthy; bonus children, Carey Seymore, William Seymore and Cailyn Stewart; grandchildren, Makayla Mendenhall-Smith (Antonio), Alissa Mendenhall, Steven Mendenhall, Santino Brooks, Giselle Christopher, Brielle Christopher, and Ryker Christopher; great-grandchildren, Alayna Kogut and Antonio Smith, III; his mother-in-law, Betty Glascoe; siblings, Cherlene Golitz, Bruce Mendenhall (Zecely), Darrell Devore (Debbie), Dennis DeVore, Sandra Davis, Glenn Mendenhall, Lorna Rogers (Larry), and Todd Mendenhall (Valerie). Other family and friends who celebrate his life are Shem Israel, Carletta Reid and Lori Ann Bradford; god-daughter, Nancy Slay; adopted granddaughter, Amy Vidacak; nieces, nephews, cousins, many other family and friends. Proceeding Steve’s passing were his parents, Lauren Mendenhall, Anna Mendenhall, Paula Mendenhall; and brothers, Gary Mendenhall and Mark Mendenhall.

Just know STEVEN WAYNE MENDENHALL IS RESTING IN THE ARMS OF GOD THE FATHER!!!!!

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Charles Chuck Fish ~ Class of 1978

 

Charles Chuck Fish ~ Class of 1978

Departed ~ 9/19/21

Obituary

Charles “Chuck” Robert Fish, age 61, of Dayton, passed away on Sunday, September 19th, 2021.

He was born on May 11th, 1960 to Esther Fish (Nickle) and Robert Fish. Growing up, Chuck lived in many places as a military brat but had a special fondness of his time in Thailand. As an adult, Chuck joined the United States Air Force as a Loadmaster. He spent countless hours transporting personnel and cargo of all kinds in C-17’s and C-141’s all over the world. His last assignment took him to Hawaii where he embraced the island life including kayaking across Pearl Harbor to work each day. He was passionate about his work and retired as a Master Sergeant after 25 years of service to his country.

Upon retirement, Chuck moved from Hawaii to Ohio for one sole purpose, to be close to his daughter and her future family. He absolutely adored his daughter and loved her and his four grandchildren more than anything. His hobbies included baseball, motorcycles, trivia, and video games. He had a remarkable memory and was especially fond of baseball statistics and the Oakland A’s.

He was preceded in death by his mother Esther Fish, and son Charles “CJ” Fish. Chuck is survived by his daughter Jeannette (Brad) Dennis, grandchildren Tucker, Harper, Cooper, and Xander Dennis, father Robert “Bob” Fish, siblings Marilyn (John) Mokwa, Edward “Ed” (Rhonda) Fish, Rachelle “Shell” (Nick) Maddaloni, Muriel “Sissy” (John) Hergenroeder, Charlene Glassmyer, Jeannine (Marc) Mason, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

To help the family celebrate his life you are invited to share during his visitation at Conner & Koch Life Celebration Home (92 W. Franklin St. Bellbrook, Ohio 45305) on Friday, October 1, 2021 from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm. Life Celebration service and military honors will be held immediately following the visitation on Friday, October 1, 2021 at 5:00 pm.

You are welcome to write a condolence, send flowers, plant a tree, and share a story about Charles at www.ConnerAndKoch.com.

Please send pictures (old and new), anecdotes, articles, stories and tributes to isbeings at gmail dot com

Randal Emory “Randy” Kalbfleisch ~ Class of 1978

Randy Kalbfleisch ~ Class of 1978

Departed ~ 1/30/2020

Obituary:

On Thursday, January 30, 2020, Randal Emory Kalbfleisch, of Harrisburg, loving husband and father, passed away at the age of 59. Randy was born on April 18, 1960, on Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, to Darrel and Noreen (Eastman). Randy enjoyed singing, traveling, spending time outdoors, and being with his family. He also loved following extreme weather. He was known for his gentle spirit and love for the Lord. Randy is preceded in death by his mother, and survived by his wife Regina (Fritz), and two children, Kaleb of Mt. Laurel, NJ, and Emily, his father, three brothers, Keith and Cristina of Kissimmee, FL, Leon and Esther of Arcata, CA, Monte of Las Vegas, NV, and sister Julie of Arcata, CA. He is also survived by a nephew and niece. A viewing will be held at Neill Funeral Home at 3501 Derry St., Harrisburg, PA 17111,on Friday, February 7, 2020, from 6-8 pm. Another viewing will be at 10 am on Saturday, February 8, 2020, at Slate Hill Mennonite Church 1352 Slate Hill Rd., Camp Hill, PA 17011. A funeral service will begin around 11 am with burial to follow on the church grounds. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to First Alliance Church at 403 S. Progress Ave., Harrisburg, PA 17109.

Leon Kalbfleisch wrote:
With sadness, I’m writing to notify you that my younger brother Randy Kalbfleisch, also an ISB alumnus, passed away earlier this year. He was class of 1978. Please add this information to your much-appreciated ISBeings.org site.
Randy never made it to a reunion, but was always very interested and often expressed his desire to go to one sometime. I believe he kept in occasional touch with one or more of his classmates.
Please send pictures (old and new), anecdotes, articles, stories and tributes to isbeings at gmail.com

Ann Elizabeth Downer Hazell ~ Class of 1978

Ann Downer ~ Class of 1978

Departed ~ 11/19/2015 ~ ALS

Dear classmates, my family and I only lived in Bangkok for a year, 1972-1973. I attended ISB when I was in 8th grade, and my sister was in 7th. I am deeply saddened to report to you that my sister, Ann Downer-Hazell, died yesterday after a difficult struggle with ALS. She leaves behind her wonderful husband, Ed, and her nearly 16-year-old son, Ben. And me, and our mother Vesta. May Ann’s memory forever be a blessing. Judy Downer

Please send pictures (old and new), anecdotes, articles, stories and tributes to isbeings at gmail.com

Mary Katherine Hensley Vining ~ Class of 1978

Mary Hensley ~ Class of 1978

Departed ~ 11/5/19

Obituary

On 5 November 2019 Kathy passed away. She is with Love, free, at peace and at Home. She was my love and companion for over 38 years, my wife and mother of my children for over 30 years, my favorite grandmother for over 6 years. I am so thankful for every moment with her; the great and the not so great.

Kathy was preceded Home by her father, LTC Ret. James Hensley and mother, Sally, and grandson, Joshua. Kathy loved being a nurse because she loved caring for people. Caring was her love language. She was a caregiver who devoted her life to others. She was a woman in love with Jesus first, her family second, her country third and all of humanity. She strove to see the best in a fallen people while holding fast to a belief in Father’s plan for all. She raised two wonderful children who are well rounded, well- grounded and destined for great things of their own. Now those children have families of their own. Great families that Kathy cared for with a ferocious love of motherhood.

I am eternally grateful for just one day with Kathy in my life, more so for the nearly four decades together. She ran her race so very well. Rest well.

Visitation will be from 9 to 10 a.m. Thursday, November 7 at Laughlin Service Funeral Home. The funeral service will follow in the chapel with the Rev. Keith Miller officiating. Burial will be at 10:30 EST on Friday, November 8 in Chattanooga National Cemetery.

Shawn Ramsey Wrote:

Just to inform any of her friends on here…(Mary) Kathy Hensley Vining passed away this morning at 6:10 She will be Forever remembered and sadly missed! I will forever cherish and hold dear to my heart my wonderful childhood memories we shared in Bangkok, Thailand. I was blessed enough that she and another friend of ours looked for me and found me on Facebook a little over three years ago! I was also blessed that her wonderful husband kept me posted on her condition throughout her sickness! I am also very blessed to have been able to speak with her also with her husband’s help about a month ago and hear her precious voice one more time. Please keep her family in your prayers as they lay this Beautiful, Kind, and Loving woman to rest.

❤

(Mary) Kathy Hensley Vining passed away this morning. She went by Mary Hensley when she and I were friends and attended ISB. Her Facebook is listed as Kathy Hensley Vining. She attended Jr. High at ISB and is in the 1973 and 1974 Erawans. She was in Bangkok years 1972-1974. Her class year is 1978.

Please send pictures (old and new), anecdotes, articles, stories and tributes to: isbeings at gmail.com

Jacqueline “Jackie” Jean Marie Drew ~ Class of 1978

Jackie Drew ~ Class of 1978

Departed ~ 2/23/1995

Medical Malpractice

Reported to me by her loving sister, Mayte Drew mjdrew7@yahoo.com circa 2014

In loving memory of my beautiful sister, Jackie who passed away 22 years ago, 1 day before her 35th birthday. My family will always remember her carefree nature, her incredible sense of humor, and the unconditional love that she had for all of us. She left us with so many precious memories that we all hold close to our hearts. My baby sister was my best friend, my cheerleader, and my balance in life. My love is enduring and my cherished memories of her are clear, intact, and indestructible. The solace I feel is that she is justly reunited with her beloved son, Anthony and our beloved Mother in God’s heavenly kingdom.  Mayte Drew  February 23, 2017