Rev. Dr. Wendell E. Minnigh, Jr. died Wednesday, May 9, 2018, in the loving presence of family at home in Concord.
Wendell was born on January 2, 1937 to Wendell E. Minnigh and Frances Alene Hyde in New Castle, PA. He graduated from Greenville High School and Allegheny College in Pennsylvania, Boston University School of Theology, and earned a Doctor of Ministry from The Theological School, Drew University, NJ. He served as pastor in the Ballard Vale United Church in MA; McKeesport and Harborcreek Methodist churches in PA; and the Rock Hill United Methodist Church parish, Centenary United Methodist Church in Bath and First United Methodist Church of Geneva, NY. Over his 36-year career, the focus of Wendell’s ministry was evangelism and church growth. He served on many district and conference boards and was honored to mentor new pastors in their studies.
In retirement, Wendell moved to Concord where he remained active in his church community, volunteered with ELL students at Rumford and Broken Ground Schools, and cherished time with family and friends. His interests included hiking, cross-country skiing, cycling and travel, including to all 50 states and many foreign countries.
Wendell is survived by his beloved wife of 56 years, Beverly Bell Minnigh; son Stephen Minnigh and wife Christina of Hooksett; daughter Cynthia Runyan and husband Christopher of Washington, DC, and seven grandchildren. He is also survived by his siblings, Diana Peterson of VT and Joel Minnigh of PA. Sisters Judith Staul and Miriam Marshall pre-deceased him.
A celebration of Wendell’s life will be held on Saturday, May 26, 2018 at 2:00 pm at Bow Mills United Methodist Church.
In lieu of flowers, donations are humbly and gratefully received in Wendell’s memory at the Payson Center at Concord Hospital, City of Concord Parks and Recreation for sports scholarship assistance, or through the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR.)
Arrangements are entrusted to the Bennett Funeral Home of Concord. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at https://www.BennettFuneral.com for the Minnigh family.
