Donal L. “Bud” Mendenhall, 92, of Boggstown, passed away Monday, February 16, 2026, at his residence.
He was born October 15, 1933, in Marshall, IN to Harris Mendenhall and Kathryn (Bostic) Mendenhall.
Bud graduated from Franklin High School with the Class of 1951. He went onto further his education at Franklin College and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in general education in 1957. He also earned his master’s degree in education from Indiana University.
He honorably served in the United States Army during the Korean War.
Bud was a member of the Lions Club, a Freemason with Sugar Creek Lodge No.279, SAE Fraternity and the Alumni Association at Franklin College. He began his teaching career in 1958, at Moral Elementary.
Bud spent his entire 54 years teaching career with the Triton Central School District. He began his coaching career with coaching reserve basketball at Franklin College while still enrolled with college. His coaching carried over to Triton schools when he started teaching there. It was said that he was involved in every sport outside of cross country while at Triton. He was instrumental in organizing and creating the football program. On August 20, 2020, the football stadium was named “Bud Mendenhall Field”, in honor of his major contribution to the program. In 2011, he coached and mentored a golfer named, Eric Davis, who excelled and ultimately qualified for state.
He was an avid sports fan and his favorite team to cheer for was the Chicago Bears. He was even a season ticket holder for the Indianapolis Colts for many years. Bud was an old school, simple man who cared deeply for his community. That could be where he got the title of “Mayor of South Boggstown”.
He married Shirley Aileen (Dine) Mendenhall on May 31, 1958, and she preceded him in death on February 3, 2010. They shared 52 loving years of marriage together.
He is survived by his sons, Joseph (wife, Robin) Mendenhall Sr.; his grandchildren, Joseph wife, (Jamie) Mendenhall Jr. and Zechariah Mendenhall; his great-grandchildren, Kaden (husband, Blake) Stewardson , Aayla Mendenhall, Raely Mendenhall, Maryn Mendenhall and Ambri Mendenhall; his great-great-grandson, Isley “Ike” Stewardson.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; his brothers, Paul L. Mendenhall and John Joseph Mendenhall.
Visitation will be Friday, February 20, 2026, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Murphy-Parks Funeral Service, 703 S. Harrison Street, Shelbyville, IN 46176.
Funeral services will be Saturday, February 21, 2026, at 1 p.m. at the funeral home.
Burial will be in Boggstown Cemetery with military rites conducted by our local veteran organizations.
Funeral Directors, Greg Parks, Sheila Parks, and Stuart Parks are honored to serve Bud’s family.
Online condolences may be shared at www.murphyparks.com.
