Joseph M. Bedenbaugh

LEXINGTON – Joseph M. Bedenbaugh, 95, of Lexington, SC, passed into the loving arms of his heavenly Father on November 29, 2018. A celebration of his life will be held on Monday, December 3, 2018, at 1:00 p.m. at Lexington United Methodist Church, 309 E. Main St., Lexington, SC 29072. Visitation will precede the service in the church fellowship hall starting at 12:00 noon. Burial will follow at the Prosperity (SC) Municipal Cemetery.

Joe developed a lifelong love of learning, reading, observation, and athletics early in life. He was an enthusiastic fan of the NY Yankees and the USC Gamecocks. He was an avid rabbit and dove hunter, fisherman, and enjoyed raising beagles.

Joe served the military in WWII as an instructor with the U.S. Army Air Corps.

His community service was significant. A member of Lexington United Methodist Church for many years, he served as teacher of the Fellowship Sunday School Class. He served as President of the Lexington Chamber of Commerce, President of the Lexington County Unit of the American Cancer Society, and was a member of Lexington American Legion Post 7.

He was a dedicated member of the Lexington Lions Club and received multiple awards, being a two-time winner of the Melvin Jones Award for community service and service longevity (over 57 years), and was inducted into the South Carolina Lions Club Hall of Fame. Also, he served as the club’s Sight Conservation Chairman for over 35 years.

Joe devoted 36 years to teaching and administration in Lexington School District One, where he served as a classroom teacher, elementary school principal, high school principal, district bus coordinator, and assistant superintendent for Human Resources. He was the recipient of the H. Odelle Harman Award for service to Public Education and Humanitarian activities. Also, the district’s annual Administrator of the Year Award is named for him. In addition, Joe is a member of the Lexington High School Athletic Hall of Fame as the varsity girls’ basketball coach from the late 1940’s to the mid-1950’s. His teams had a career winning percentage in excess of 90%.

Joe was married for many years to Edna Mills, who predeceased him. He was also predeceased by his parents and two brothers. He is survived by a daughter, Linda (Doug) and a son, Mackie (Kay); four grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.

The family wishes to thank the dedicated and compassionate professionals at Wellmore of Lexington and the Lexington Medical Center for their attention, care, love and kindness.

Memorials may be made to Lexington United Methodist Church, 309 E. Main St., Lexington, SC 29072.