Jack Mendenhall Remembered
By Curt CraggOn Saturday, July 9th Jack Mendenhall was remembered by his family and friends. Jack went out with a bang passing away on July 4, 2005. Jack’s graveside service at the Oak Hill Cemetery in Ballard was as much of a car show as it was a memorial service. The family and many friends arrived in their hot rods to pay tribute to Jack.
Jack served in the United States Navy from 1948-1951 and was honored as a veteran. Rather than mourning in black, the majority in attendance donned commemorative T-shirts celebrating car shows, drag strips, racing clubs and even Jack’s Pea Soup Special dragster.
After the short service (which is the way I want it when it’s my time) all adjourned to Jack’s compound in Buellton to swap stories and memories of Jack amidst his lifetime collection. This was not a sad and solemn tribute to his passing, but a celebration of his life, which is probably the way Jack wanted it.
Robbie Andersen of Pea Soup Andersen's talks about his memories of Jack including building and racing the dragster. For more of Robbies memories of Jack you can visit
www.oilstick.com The group gathered to hear stories and share their own memories amidst Jack's collection of Petro history and roadside relics.
Here’s to you Jack![This message has been edited by the poor mans museum (edited 07-11-2005).]