Pendleton, C. Wendell (1919-2008)

PENDLETON, CARNAHAN, FIELDS

Posted By: Paul Nagy (email)
Date: 1/10/2010 at 13:42:11

C. Wendell Pendleton - Dec. 20, 1919 - Mar. 13, 2008

C. Wendell Pendleton, age 88, of Fuquay-Varina, North Carolina, and formerly of Storm Lake, Iowa, died at his home on March 13, 2008.

C. Wendell Pendleton, the son of Charles E. and Ruby (Carnahan) Pendleton, was born December 20, 1919, in Washington, D.C. He lived his youth and received his education in Storm Lake, graduating from Storm Lake High School. Wendell continued his education at Buena Vista College where he received his under graduate degree, then received his law degree from the University of Iowa Law School. He faithfully served his country during World War II as a fighter pilot in the United States Marine Corps, where he attained the rank of captain.

Wendell was united in marriage to Pheraby Fields on January 5, 1944, in Memphis, Tennessee. The couple was blessed with their son, Charles. Wendell began his professional law career in Storm Lake in 1946 and honorably served his profession and the Storm Lake area for 48 years. While residing in Storm Lake, he served as the Storm Lake City attorney for six years. He and Pheraby then moved to Florida and during his semi-retirement years, he practiced law in Florida for 12 years. In 2004, they moved to Fuquay-Varina, North Carolina, where they have since made their home.

Wendell was privileged to serve the Buena Vista County constituents in the Iowa State House of Representatives for three terms beginning in 1951 and continuing through 1956. During his last term in office, he held the position of Speaker Pro-tem. During his distinguished law career, he was a fellow in the American College of Trial Lawyers, a fellow in the International Academy of Trial Lawyers, and a fellow in the International Society of Barristers. He was a past president of the Iowa Academy of Trial Lawyers, a past member of the Board of Governors of the Iowa Bar Association, and a past member of the Supreme Court Nominating Commission for the state of Iowa. Wendell was honored by the Buena Vista College Alumni Association with the Outstanding Alumni Award for Achievement in the Legal Profession. He took great pride in his community and was a member of many civic organizations. He was also instrumental in organizing the fundraising for the “Save the Lake Campaign.” Wendell served on a committee that was responsible for building the current Buena Vista County Courthouse. He will be remembered as the first president of the Lake Creek Golf and County Club. In his spare time, Wendell enjoyed fishing, writing, and golfing. His grandchildren and great-grandchildren held a very special place in his heart and he took an active interest in all of their activities.

Those who will always cherish Wendell’s memory include his wife of 64 years, Pheraby, of Fuquay-Varina, North Carolina; his son and daughter-in-law, Charles B. and Dana Pendleton of Rock Island, Illinois; his grandchildren: Philip and Debbie Pendleton of Davenport, Iowa; and Elizabeth Pendleton of Moline, Illinois; his four great-grandchildren: Rebecca, Ryan, Zach, and Emilie; other relatives and a host of friends.

Wendell was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Robert and Chuck; and his sister, Donna.

The Storm Lake community continues to be the benefactor of Wendell’s selfless service to his community and its citizens.

Services for Mr. Pendleton will be held at a later date. The Sliefert Funeral Home in Storm Lake is in charge of the arrangements.

Copyright © 2008, Sliefert Funeral Homes

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