Thomas Herbert Mehnert

Thomas Herbert Mehnert, 81, loving husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather, departed this life for his eternal home with Christ Jesus on February 13, 2025. He was born on March 13, 1943, the eldest child of Herbert Milton Mehnert and Merna Mills Mehnert. Tom is survived by his wife of 56 years, Lois Barlow Mehnert; his son, Mark Thomas Mehnert; his son-in-law Scott Seaton (Ginger Seaton); his granddaughter, Joscelyn Hodge (Christopher Hodge); his grandsons, Phillip, Samuel, and Daniel Seaton (Kelly Seaton); and his great grandchildren Raymond and David Hodge. He was preceded in death by his beloved daughter, Anne Mehnert Seaton, and his sisters, Kristl Lynn Wiernicki and Sandra Alice Palmer.

Tom grew up on a family farm in Maryland where he had many fond childhood memories. In 1961, Tom graduated from Bel Air High School. He went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Virginia Tech in 1966. Tom dedicated much of his career to the David Taylor Research Center in Annapolis, Maryland, working there from 1967 to 1977 and again from 1984 to 1999. He contributed greatly to deep ocean technology research, traveling to Hawaii, Denmark, and Italy. Even in light of his research successes, he would say that his greatest life passion was sharing the joy of the gospel of Jesus Christ. In this light, he pursued a Master of Divinity from Covenant Theological Seminary in 1981. This training prepared him for Christian missions in Ocho Rios, Jamaica, from 1981 to 1983, where he and his family focused on building and equipping a local church and school. Upon returning from Jamaica, he resumed his Naval research, built his own home, and loved watching his children grow up and graduate high school. In 2000, he and his wife Lois moved to Waynesboro, VA, to be near their daughter Anne and four grandchildren. He started his own contracting business Equity Builders and Radon Mitigation Systems, where he actively sought to improve the quality of housing of those around him. His servant's heart and dedication was apparent to all who met him.

Tom Mehnert was a man of strong faith, exemplified by his active membership at Evangelical Presbyterian Church in Annapolis, MD, and later, Tabernacle Presbyterian Church in Waynesboro, VA. Beyond his professional and spiritual life, Tom found great joy in sailing, boating, gardening, listening to old records, and, most of all, spending time with his beloved family.

His life was a testament to humility and service, embodying the words of Matthew 23:11:
"The greatest among you will be your servant." Tom will be deeply missed, but forever cherished in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

A viewing will be held on Friday, February 21, from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at Reynolds Hamrick Funeral Homes, 618 West Main Street, Waynesboro, VA. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, February 22, at 9:30 a.m., at Tabernacle Presbyterian Church, 1301 Red Top Orchard Road, Waynesboro, VA. Burial will follow at Riverview Cemetery.

Following the committal service a luncheon will be hosted at Tabernacle Presbyterian Church. All are welcome.

Arrangements entrusted to the Waynesboro Chapel of Reynolds Hamrick Funeral Homes.

Relatives and friends may share condolences and memories with the family online by visiting www.reynoldshamrickfuneralhomes.com