Mendenhall, Enos P. 1858-1934

MENDENHALL, KITCHEN, DE KONING, DAY

Posted By: Marilyn Holmes (email)
Date: 4/30/2010 at 14:59:59

Grinnell Herald (Grinnell, Iowa) Jan. 19, 1934

AN OBITUARY OF ENOS MENDENHALL
(By a Staff Correspondent)

Lynnville, Ia., Jan. 16, Special:

Enos P. Mendenhall, son of Temple and Sarah Mendenhall, was born in Hendricks county, Ind., May 21, 1858, and departed this life Jan. 7, 1934, at the age of 75 years, 7 months and 17 days. Of this family of fourteen children there is only one left, Temple Mendenhall, of Plainfield, Ind.

Enos and his twin, Calvin (who died just 26 years ago the eighth of this month) were one year old when the family moved in covered wagons with ox teams to Iowa, a five weeks' trip. His life has been spent since that time near Lynnville. Though they were birthright members of the Friends church, they knew that this would never save them and at forty-five years of age, under the ministry of William Kirby, they knelt at the altar of prayer in the dear old frame Friends church building at Lynnville, and gave their hearts to the Lord. Since then Enos had a testimony of God's saving and keeping power from a life of sin.

He was a great lover of nature and had great joy and pleasure in traveling in the car and in studying and reading his Bible and in singing and having others sing for him the Old Gospel songs of Zion, even at his weakest when delirium was not fogging his mind completely.

He has been ill most of the time since early spring and many times during this illness he sang and testified that God is our only help and prayed humble prayers to Him. About four weeks ago he changed for the worse. Since then he gradually grew quite helpless and last Friday we could see the end was very near, though he spoke several words after that.

He was always very appreciative of the help of kind neighbors and friends. The songs which he loved so much and asked for so many times, which tell the story of his love for his Lord and the hope for the future are used today as a tribute and a blessing. I am "The Child of the King" and rejoice that I can "Take the Name of Jesus with Me" for He is my "Rock of Ages," whom I shall see "In the Sweet Bye and Bye" "When the Pearly Gates Unfold" and there'll be "No Disappointment through All the Countless Ages of Eternity."

Funeral services were conducted Jan. 10. At the home, Frank and Blanche Conover sang "I Will Make the Darkness Light," uncle's favorite song. C.W. Richards of Grinnell read 1 Thess. 4:13-18 and Ps. 15; then offered prayer. At the church at 2 p.m. Rev. Anna L. Spann of University Park was in charge. A mixed quartette from Grinnell, Joe Haupt, Paul Huff, Anna May Schooley and Edna Rayle sang "A Child of the King" and "Take the Name of Jesus with You." Rev. Jacob De Koning read the obituary, after which the quartette sang "Rock of Ages." Prayer was offered by Rev. Mr. Spann. Then the quartette sang "In the Sweet Bye and Bye." Rev. Mr. Spann gave a splendid message from the text, "Be thou faithful unto death and I will give thee a crown of life." Pearl Visser and Myrtle Lee of University Park sang "When the Pearly Gates Unfold" and "There Is No Disappointment in Heaven." Mrs. Thelma Willison of Montezuma was the very efficient pianist for the prelude, the songs and the postlude. At the Friends cemetery Rev. M.T. Mendenhall, a nephew, offered prayer and the benediction and Enos was laid beside his brother, Calvin, to await the resurrection.

Pallbearers were Frank Graham, Orland Davis, Charley Newby and Merlin Elliott, all of Lynnville, and John Jelsma and Albert Hocket, both of Grinnell.

For the interest and sympathy and help that so many have offered and given from their hearts during all this time of trial and bereavement, we most sincerely say, thanks very kindly. Nellie V. Kitchen, Blanche De Koning and Della Day.