William Thomas Mendenhall age 87, died with his loved ones by his side on June 8, 2014. Born July 20, 1927 in Celina, Ohio, to the late Ruth and Belva Mendenhall. He is preceded in death by brothers Jerry and Don. Sixty years ago on June 7, 1954 he married the love of his life, Phyllis Jane Guyer. He is also survived by children Tom (Kerry), Don, Julie(Keith Belau) and grandchildren Will, Molly (Evan Bollie); Katie(Josh Armstrong); Kylie, Kurt, Nick, Donald, Bryce and great-grandchildren Beckam Thomas and Lane McKeen Bollie, and the Smalley nieces and nephews.

Bill attended Ohio State University and in 1945, enlisted in the US Navy. A self-made man, he proudly became co-owner with his partner, Ralph "Pep" Stauffer, of Stauffer - Mendenhall Insurance. Bill's honest and strong work ethic helped build his company for a life long career of 37 years. After retirement he continued to enjoy the special relationships he had with Larry Wood, Tim Whetstone and Steve Grosenbacher while they were all at the Insurance Agency.

A well- lived life, Bill contributed to his community by serving on Rotary, Chamber of Commerce, Elks, St. Paul's Lutheran Church council, Kettenring Country Club, and he also served as treasurer for Republican, Ben Gaeth.

Although Bill's contributions were many, he was best known for his love of family. Bill's extraordinary generosity, humble nature, endearing sense of humor, genuine kindness and unconditional acceptance of everyone, touched many lives. Bill absolutely loved his life, friends and family. He will be dearly missed.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, June 13, at the St. Paul Lutheran Church, Defiance, Ohio at 11:00 am with the Rev. David Brobston officiating. Burial will follow at Riverside Cemetery. Friends may call at the Schaffer Funeral Home, Defiance from 6-8 p.m. on Thursday and one hour prior to the services at the Church on Friday.
Memorial contributions may be directed towards a charity of the donor's choice.