George Warren Mendenhall, Jr.

George Warren Mendenhall, Jr. 76 of French Village, Missouri passed away Saturday, October 8, 2022, at Ste. Genevieve County Hospital surrounded by his children. George was born December 10, 1945, in Charlottesville, Virginia the son of George and Mary “Molly” Mendenhall, Sr.

He is survived by his sister, Mary “Molly” Suling and her husband Jeff Suling; three adult children, daughter, Heather Mendenhall of Buford, Georgia; son, George Mendenhall III of Lemont, Illinois and his wife Marlaine Mendenhall; and daughter, Allison Monaghan of Downers Grove, Illinois and her husband Joseph Monaghan; six (6) grandchildren, Lauren Bonnett, Andrew Bonnett, Addison McLemore, Danielle Mendenhall, Joselyn Monaghan and Joseph Monaghan Jr; one great grandchild Kasey Leonardo; and 4 nieces and nephews, Ben Suling, Corey Suling, Jessie Mendenhall and Keene Mendenhall. He is also survived by his two beloved doggies, Little Bit and Bailey.

He is preceded in death by his parents, George and Mary Mendenhall, Sr. his stepmother Elaine Mendenhall, and his brother John “Eddie” (wife Jane) Mendenhall.

The son of an US Air Force Officer, George grew up living on many military installations across the United States and abroad in Germany and Japan. His mother passed when he was very young, so he went on to reside with his Aunt Louise and Uncle Hess Hines in Sheridan, Indiana for a few years until his father remarried his stepmother in 1954. 

In high school George was a varsity band member where he played the trumpet.  He graduated from Bellevue High School in Bellevue, Nebraska in 1963.  After graduation, George returned to Indiana to attend Purdue University as an Electrical Engineering Major.  He attended Purdue for several years but did not complete his degree prior to being drafted into the United States Army in 1968. 

While in the Army, George heroically served in Vietnam with the 1^st Calvary division as a combat helicopter pilot saving many lives.  During his tour he received a Bronze Star, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, and Vietnam Campaign Medal.  Through the course of his military career, he also received the Army Commendation medal with one oak leaf cluster.  He proudly served his country and was honorably discharged in 1971 as an E5.

After his military service, George moved to Illinois (Chicago area) where he went on to build a career in the computer engineering field.  He began his career with Control Data as a Customer Engineering Specialist.  He later moved into management with Computer Science Corporation and then later went on to work for Bell Atlantic. 

In 2012, George retired to Goose Creek in French Village Missouri where he resided until his death. He was a lifelong Chicago Cubs fan who flew his flag proudly in the middle of Cardinal nation.  He was also an avid Blackhawks and Bears fan.  Many bets were wagered, he earned the love and respect of those around him through his kindness and love for his country.  He never met a stranger.  George enjoyed boating, riding his side by sides, and singing loudly at the jukebox to Elvis and his many other favorites.  He lived each day with a boundless zest for life and with a never-ending love for his family, friends, doggies, and country.  There was never a dull moment with George around and he will be deeply missed.

A Visitation will be held Wednesday, October 12, 2022, from 2:00 pm until service time of 4:00 pm at C.Z. Boyer and Son Chapel, with Pastor Dave Wiant officiating. Graveside service and burial will be held Friday, October 14, 2022 10:30am at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood, IL with full Military honors.