Ronald "Ron" Mendell

Ronald Lee "Ron" Mendell, 79, passed away peacefully on July 31, 2026, surrounded by his family and the music he loved.

Born in Ottawa, Kansas, Ron lived a life marked by intellectual curiosity, athletic achievement, dedicated journalism, and a deep love for family and community.

Ron was born to Archie and Wilma (McCullough) Mendell in Ottawa, Kansas. He attended Hawthorne Grade School, Ottawa Junior High School, and Ottawa High School before earning a basketball scholarship to Wichita State University, where he graduated cum laude in 1969 with majors in Journalism and History.

During his time at Wichita State from 1965 to 1969, Ron distinguished himself as one of the Shockers' most dependable guards and clutch performers. Wearing No. 24, he appeared in 73 games and averaged 11.7 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game while shooting 47.2% from the field and an outstanding 82.1% from the free throw line. He established a school record by making 36 consecutive free throws and was widely recognized for his poise under pressure.

One of the defining moments of his collegiate career came on February 13, 1969, when he hit a dramatic 25-foot jumper at the buzzer to give Wichita State a thrilling 75-73 road victory over Cincinnati. He also helped lead the Shockers to a memorable upset of No. 2 ranked Louisville in 1967, scoring 17 points before a packed home crowd. His success extended beyond the basketball court. He was an academic all-American. He was awarded a prestigious NCAA postgraduate scholarship following his senior season, recognizing both his athletic and academic excellence.

Following graduation, Ron combined his love of sports and storytelling in a distinguished journalism career. He worked as a sportswriter for The Wichita Eagle from 1970 to 1973 before freelancing for newspapers and magazines across the country. He authored Who's Who in Basketball and Who's Who in Football, and his career included work with Universal Press Syndicate, The Washington Post Writers Group, and Tribune Media Services, where he remained until his retirement.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Ron was a devoted sports historian whose interests spanned basketball, football, baseball, and tennis. He was a loyal supporter of the Kansas City Chiefs and Kansas City Royals and could often be found browsing bookstores, used book shops, and newsstands in search of his next great read.

A Protestant in faith, Ron especially cherished the monthly Wichita State Lettermen Club luncheons. He enthusiastically organized speakers, wrote introductions, personally called attendees, and helped ensure the gatherings remained a meaningful tradition for former Shockers and friends.

On May 2, 1992, Ron married Nancy (Torres) Mendell. Together they built a life centered on family, friendship, and shared memories.

Ron is survived by his devoted wife, Nancy Mendell; his children, Regan (Jon Oetting) Poynter, Michael (Megan) Maisel, Paul (Amy) Maisel, and Ryan Maisel; his grandchildren, Sam, Emma, Sophia, Noelle, and Olive Maisel; his great-grandchild, Pearl Maczko; his siblings, Linda Fredricks, Richard (Kerry) Mendell, and Roger (Cindy Berry) Mendell; his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Gilberto and Bernadette Delgado; along with many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Archie and Wilma Mendell. As well as his beloved grand-dog, Lucy, who passed away in 2018 at the age of 14, whom he loved very much.

Ron will be remembered as a gifted storyteller, passionate sports historian, proud Shocker, devoted husband and father, and loyal friend. Whether chronicling the achievements of athletes, preserving sports history, or bringing people together through his enthusiasm and kindness, he left an enduring mark on all who knew him. His legacy lives on in the family he cherished, the stories he told, and the countless lives he touched.

A Come & Go Visitation will be from 4:00PM to 7:00PM, Thursday, August 6, 2026, at Lakeview Funeral Home, 12100 East 13th Street North, Wichita, Kansas 67206.

The Funeral Service for Ron will be held at 10:00AM on Friday, August 7, 2026, with visitation one hour prior, at Lakeview Funeral Home. Burial will follow the service at Lakeview Cemetery in the Garden of Prayer.

In celebration of Ron’s life and his love for the Wichita State Shockers, guests are invited to wear Shocker colors to the services.

For those who are unable to attend Ron's service, the family warmly invites you to a reception following the burial from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. To obtain the reception location, please contact Lakeview Funeral Home at (316) 684-8200.

Memorial contributions in Ron's memory can be made to Meals on Wheels of Wichita/Andover and/or Good Shepherd Hospice.