Myron L. Mendenhall Jr.

He was born on March 14, 1955, in Springfield, the son of Myron “Pete” and Viola “Vi” (Wilson) Mendenhall. At age 42, he married the love of his life, Michele Guymon, on May 17, 1997.

Myron grew up surrounded by the strength and spirit of a large family, one of seven children. That foundation shaped the man he would become—steady, loyal, and proud of his name. He was taught to work hard, to play hard. He attended Springfield Southeast High School and began what would be a longtime career alongside his father and his younger brothers at Pete Mendenhall & Sons Trucking and Fertilizer. Like all Mendenhall men, “Wild Thing” kept his “#3” trucks immaculate—polished chrome gleaming, lights shining bright, a reflection of the pride he took in his work and reputation. Myron would later own and operate Pete Mendenhall & Son Trucking until its closure in 2013. He operated a snowplowing and excavating business until is closure in 2019. Myron continued to drive for Ramsey Trucking until his retirement in 2022.

In the 1980s, Myron joined the Sangamon County Rescue squad proudly serving the citizens in need of Sangamon County. Always willing to lend a helping hand was part of who Myron was and how he was known. He was also known to always have a cigar in hand and a Bluetooth device attached and ready for that next call from family, friends, clients and fellow Shrine Nobles.

Myron was a member and Past Master of the Carlock Masonic Lodge No. 904 in Mechanicsburg, and in 1993, he joined the Ansar Shrine, like others within the family before him, and he would later assist many other Mendenhalls in their journey to brotherhood. Starting with the Jeepster unit, he participated in many parades driving one of the family’s beautiful maroon convertibles. In 2008, Myron served as Potentate of the Ansar Shrine and worked generously and diligently to promote the purpose and mission for the Shriner organization, the philanthropic work to make a difference through the Shriner’s Children’s hospitals. For the next year, you could see Myron’s moving billboard on the side of his 18-wheeler trailer. As a Shriner, he again showed his willingness to help those in need and made many trips to Shriners Children’s hospitals escorting a child who needed their care, unable to walk until that special trip to St. Louis was made.

In 2000, Myron joined an additional Freemason organization, the Royal Order of Jesters Court #20 in Springfield where he was able to enjoy the friendship and comradery of his fellow Jesters.

After retirement, Myron remained a “workaholic” and owned and operated a personal detailing business.

Myron and Michele made a beautiful partnership, enjoying each other’s company and that of the “kids” they had in their sweet kitties. Together, they traveled to places like Branson and Nashville, but a highlight was when Myron was able to live out his dream to be a “cowboy” at a dude ranch in the mountains of Montana.

Myron was preceded in death by his parents and his youngest brother, Kevin Mendenhall.

He leaves behind his wife, Michele; his son, Lee (Brittany) Mendenhall of Buffalo; three grandchildren, Ellie, Wesley, and Emma Mendenhall of Buffalo; five siblings, Pat (Roy) Hinds of Athens, Russ (Peggy) Mendenhall of Chatham, Ken (Joy) Mendenhall of Pleasant Plains, Diana (Larry) Beaty of Rochester, and Becky Mendenhall of New Berlin; his mother-in-law, Marilyn Carpenter; brother-in-law, Mark (Charlene) Jacobs; two aunts, Frances Wilson and Jenny Wilson; one uncle, John Wilson; a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A Celebration of Myron’s life and legacy will be held on Sunday, March 22, 2026, from 2:30 – 6:00 p.m. at the Ansar Shrine Temple, 630 S. 6th St., Springfield, IL. The gathering will begin with walk-throughs at 2:30 p.m. by the Ansar Shrine Potentate and Divan members, the Royal Order of Jesters, and the Sangamon County Rescue Squad immediately followed by Masonic Rites. A time of sharing memories will be held at the conclusion of Masonic Rites.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Shriners Children’s Hospital or to the American Kidney Fund.

The family is being served by Butler Funeral Home-Springfield, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield, IL.