Walter "Bud" Mendenhall, age 89, passed away Sunday, October 6, 2024 in Fort Wayne. He was born in Chicago, IL to the late Charles and Laurine Mendenhall. Bud proudly served his country as a member of the U.S. Navy and was an active board member at the Veteran's National Memorial Shrine and Museum and a previous member of the Korean War Veteran Association Indiana Chapter 1. He worked locally as a restaurant owner and was a member of Most Precious Blood Catholic Church. As neighborhood president he and Jean worked with city council and the mayor to make neighborhood improvements. These efforts were recognized by Mayor Tom Henry, and he declared January 10th as Bud and Jean Mendenhall day. Bud is survived by his wife of 64 years, Jean Mendenhall; children, Shelley Mendenhall, Denise (Joe) Chacon, and Michael (Marilena) Mendenhall; four grandchildren, Jamie (Don III) Banowetz, Austin (Kirsten) Fanning, Joey (Alyssa) Chacon, and Brenna Chacon. Bud was also preceded in death by his grandson, Michael Mendenhall. He has nine great grandchildren and is also survived by his brother Dan Fisher. Service is 3:00 pm, Saturday, October 12, 2024 at Fairhaven Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 6557 N. Clinton St. with calling two hours prior beginning at 1:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to the Veterans National Memorial Shrine and Museum, 2122 O'Day Rd. Fort Wayne, IN 46818. To sign the online guestbook, go to www.fairhavenfortwayne.com