William Donald Pendell Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

William Donald Pendell March 21, 1929 - August 28, 2024 Rev. William Donald Pendell of Worthington Ohio, age 95, died peacefully at home August 28 2024 surrounded by family. Don joins his beloved wife June Hathaway Pendell, who died October 3, 2010, in heaven. Don was born March 21, 1929 in Lincoln, Nebraska to the late William Donald Pendell, Sr. and Alice (Bannert) Pendell. Don is also predeceased by his one dear bother, Emory Dean, who died in an explosion aboard the USS Bennington in 1954. Don is survived by his children Karla (David) Tracey and Christopher Pendell; grandchildren Kathryn (Russell) Gaster, Christopher (Kristina) Tracey, Noelle (Josh) Collingwood, Benjamin, Aaron (Zoe), Andrew (Abby), and Daniel (Ashlyn) Tracey, and Max Pendell; and 9 great-grandchildren with a 10th on the way. Don attended Cooley High School and Wayne University in Detroit, Michigan, and earned his degree in English Literature at the College of Wooster in 1951. After an opportunity to teach English in France and travel across Europe in 1951, Don returned to the U.S. to earn his theological degree from Princeton Seminary and became a volunteer Chaplain for the U.S. Army in Korea in 1953. Always in good humor, Don was a three-time winner on the Ted Mack Amateur Hour TV show at Madison Square Garden in 1954. Soon after, Don returned to Detroit to marry his beautiful bride, June. They started their family together, and Don began his ministry in Allen Park and Troy, Michigan before moving to Worthington, Ohio in 1964. Don served as Director of Communications for the Ohio Council of Churches before embarking on a career as Interim Pastor at 42 community churches throughout the state of Ohio. In retirement, Don was active in the community teaching, leading, and even acting in theatre productions at his local Griswold Senior Center, and stayed active with the Presbytery of Scioto Valley. Don was a 32nd Degree Mason and served as Chaplain for the Central Ohio Shriners and MOAA, and loved to travel, especially on cruises to meet people from all over the world. In 2012 he joined the Worthington International Friendship Association (WIFA) and traveled with the group to Worthington's 'sister city' Sayama, Japan. Don was also instrumental over many years maintaining and supporting the Port Columbus Interfaith Services (PCIS) and Meditation Room at the airport. Don always found a way to bring everyone from all faiths and walks of life together, and treated everyone like family through humor, acceptance, and kindness. He always found time to spend with all his grandchildren whom he loved dearly, and inspired his children and grandchildren with creativity, always quick to create a sketch or drawing for any occasion; especially Snoopy and Woodstock! Don loved learning, watching Jeopardy and educational shows like NOVA. A memorial service will be held at the Worthington Presbyterian Church, 773 High Street Worthington Ohio at 12 p.m. Friday September 6th, with a Masonic Service and visitation preceding at 10 a.m. and a reception immediately following. The Rev. Tom Rice and Rev. Betsy Rice will officiate. Many thanks to our family, friends and caregivers, as well as OhioHealth Hospice. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Worthington Presbyterian Church or OhioHealth Hospice.