Frank H. Mendenhall passed away peacefully in his sleep the morning of February 7, 2025 at the age of 91. Frank was born to Frank H. Sr and Viola Mae Mendenhall on August 17, 1933 in Upton Wyoming. Frank had 4 older sisters, Laurene (Greg) Falk, Upton Wyoming, Geraldine (Pat) McKinney, Gillette Wyoming, Marjorie (Don) Thompson, Moorcroft Wyoming, and Helen (Wilber) Mcvety, Piqua Ohio.
Frank graduated from Upton high School in 1951. He spent 1 year at the University of Wyoming before he joined the United States Air Force. Frank proudly served his country in the USAF from 1953-1957. His overseas assignment was in the Canadian Arctic on Resolution Island where he worked at a Radar Station as part of the Defense Early Warning System.
Shortly after being honorably discharged from the Air Force, Frank met and married Carol Jean Coen. They enjoyed 62 years of marriage until Carol passed away in December 2018.
Faith and community were central to Frank’s life. Frank was a lifelong member of the United Methodist Church and a Member of the Tooele Elks Lodge BPOE 1673 for over 55 years.
Frank retired from the Tooele Army Depot in 1993. However, his dedication to work and community led him back to the Depot’s recreation center, where he spent another 19 years before retiring permanently in 2013 with a remarkable 51 years of federal service.
Frank was an avid sports fan, always rooting for the Wyoming Cowboys, Denver Broncos, Utah Utes, Utah Jazz, and every team his grandkids played on, but none of them could match his love for the St. Louis Cardinals (except maybe the grandkids teams).
Golf was another of Frank’s passions, and he played actively until just a few years ago. Among his golfing achievements, he was proudest of scoring two holes-in-one during his lifetime.
Frank was preceded in death by his parents, sisters and wife. He is survived by his son Michael (Nan), grandchildren Kelsey (Mark) Pratt, Marissa (Garrett) Lowry, and Josh (Logan) Mendenhall and 7 great-grandchildren Gigi, Frankie, Trot and Sunnie Pratt, Maddox and Hayes Lowry, and McCoy Mendenhall. He was very proud of his family and loved them all dearly.
Per Frank’s wishes, there will be no services held. If you would care to honor Frank, please consider a donation to Shriners Children’s Hospital.
2 Comments
My family and I had the honor of calling Frank and Carol family. He was my daughter Sophie’s “honorary” Grandpa. Frank was a wonderful friend,, neighbor and Grandpa. We will miss him terribly! We were able to give him one last hug goodbye in Wednesday afternoon. We love and miss you. XoXoxo, Becca, Jason and Sophie Christensen
I had the opportunity to meet Frank at the Cottage Glen Assisted living facility, where I was employed as the Activities Director. One thing I can tell you about Frank was his genuine kindness & love for me and the people around him. His reliability to come to every activity, ready to participate and make the room brighter with his presence. We had an opportunity to discuss his faith, one that we shared, and at that moment it was like reconnecting with an old friend. I will miss you “Frànk the Tank”! This is not goodbye, but see you again
Memories & Condolences