Individual Details

Obituary for Don Gene Mendenhall
Don Gene Mendenhall, age 74, of Van Buren, AR, joined the heavenly choir on August 14, in Fayetteville, Arkansas.
He was born in Los Angeles, CA. to L.R. and Ethel Dee (Stafford) Mendenhall. A few years later his family returned to Fort Smith. He was preceded in death by his parents and three brothers, Hildred Duane, Charles and Johnny Frank Mendenhall.
He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Wilma Jean (Jeanne) Hays Mendenhall, two daughters, Julia Jene Mendenhall of Fayetteville, Joni Thomas (Anthony) of Fort Smith and two of the most amazing grandsons, Jeremiah and Micah Thomas.
Don graduated from Northside High in 1965 and the University of the Ozarks in 1970.
He taught in Van Buren schools for 35 years and drove a school bus. He received many honors including Coleman’s Teacher of the Year and was a Top 40 recipient many times. Following his retirement from education, he enjoyed many activities with his grandsons and also assisted his daughter Julie with weddings at Jules Design in Fayetteville, where he was affectionately called Mr. Jules.
Don retired from music ministry in 2020 after 50 years of service. During those years he served at the following First Baptist Churches: Mulberry, Ozark, Arkoma, Charleston and Lavaca as well as the Baptist Churches: Calvary, Concord and Trinity. One of his most rewarding ministries was serving as Music and Youth Director for seven years at Bluff Avenue Church, Fort Smith, under the leadership of the late Rev. C.D. Peoples.
A celebration of Don’s life will be held Saturday, August 21st at 11:00 am at Calvary Baptist, Fort Smith, with Rev. Edward Ellis officiating. Celebration music will precede the service at 10:40. Following the service, a private family burial will be held.
There is no formal visitation. Viewing and signing the register will be possible at Ocker Funeral Home in Van Buren until 7:00 pm Friday.
Pallbearers will be Anthony Thomas, Mark Spellman, Ronell Cabrera, and nephews Derrick Ballentine; Skylar, Blake, Eli and Mark Hays; Justin and Austin Thomas and Tyler Carter.

Memorials may be sent to Calvary Baptist, 2301 Midland Blvd. Fort Smith or Gideons International, 6320 Carthage, Fort Smith 72903.

Family sends special thanks to Brookstone Memory Care in Fayetteville, Dr. Chris Bell, Dr. David Staggs, Dr. Gary Linker, Heart of Hospice nurses and Roberta at Circle of Life, for their loving care of Don.

Birth	22 Oct 1946	Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, California
Death	14 Aug 2021

Spouse

Wilma Jeanne Hays (1948 - )