Bernard Eugene "Gene" Mendenhall

 Bernard Eugene “Gene” Mendenhall, age 94, passed away peacefully on September 6, 2025, in Louisville, Kentucky. Surrounded by loved ones, Gene entered into eternal rest after a long and grace-filled life. Gene was born on May 9, 1931, in Brookville, Ohio, to the late Blanche Rosaline Miller and Lloyd Norwood Mendenhall. He graduated from Farmersville High School in Farmersville, Ohio, where he was a dedicated student and a gifted athlete, enjoying basketball, baseball, and track. In 1949, Gene began his collegiate journey at Anderson College in Anderson, Indiana. During his time there, he met the love of his life, Analee Topper. Their bond quickly blossomed into a lifelong partnership rooted in faith and devotion. They were united in marriage on Thanksgiving Day, 1953, at Fort Rucker, Alabama. Gene’s college years were interrupted by the Korean conflict, during which he was drafted into the United States Army. He served his country with honor and, upon completing his military service, returned to Anderson College to earn his Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology. After graduation, Gene began his career as a teacher in Pendleton, Indiana. Recognizing the need to better support his growing family, he transitioned into pharmaceutical sales with The Upjohn Company. Over the next 31 years, Gene built a distinguished career, earning numerous accolades including the Upjohn Sales Award for outstanding performance and territory management. At the age of 16, Gene accepted Christ through a radio ministry, an experience that filled him with God’s joy and set the course for a life rooted in faith. He remained steadfast in his walk with the Lord until his final breath. Gene found deep fulfillment in serving the church—teaching Sunday School, singing in the choir, and guiding the congregation through various leadership roles. His devotion to Christ and his church was evident in both word and deed. Gene was always the life of the party, bringing laughter and joy wherever he went. He had a flair for skits and a passion for antiquing, often refurbishing his finds with care and craftsmanship. Above all, Gene cherished time spent with his family. Whether gathered around the dinner table or sharing stories on the porch, those moments were his greatest joy. Gene and Analee were blessed with four children: Debra Lou, David Eugene, Michael Lee, and Shari Lyn. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Analee, and two sisters, Margaret Ann Banks and Dona Lucille Storer. He leaves to cherish his memory his brother, Fred Norwood Mendenhall, half-sister Darlene Yoder; nine grandchildren; fourteen great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and colleagues. Gene’s legacy lives on in the lives he touched and the love he gave so freely. Celebration of Life Visitation will be held on Friday, September 12, 2025, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Louisville Memorial Gardens East. A second visitation will take place on Saturday, September 13 from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m., followed by a Celebration of Life service beginning at noon. Interment will take place immediately following the service.