Joseph Noel Wendling Jr.

Joseph “Joe” Noel Wendling Jr., 73, of Lexington, passed away Wednesday, August 4, 2021, at OhioHealth Mansfield Hospital.

He was born November 29, 1947, in Mansfield, Ohio, to Joseph N. Wendling Sr. and Lois Jean Jenkins Wendling. Joe was a veteran of the US Marine Corps serving from 1966-1968 in Vietnam and was awarded a Bronze Star with Valor and 2 Purple Hearts. He served in the Air National Guard for 26 years and retired as a Lieutenant Colonel. He began working as an officer with the Mansfield Police Department in 1969, attained the rank of Lieutenant and retired after 40 years of service. He was a member of the F.O.P. and V.F.W.

Joe was a people person who enjoyed talking and telling stories and jokes, and making people laugh. His own laugh was a memorable one. Joe was a member of St. Peter’s Catholic Church serving on the Liturgy Committee. He was keenly interested in military history and was an voracious reader of many genres. Joe was an avid golfer and motorcyclist. Most of all, his family was his top priority and making lasting memories with them, especially his grandchildren, was very important to him.

Joe is survived by his wife, Candy Adams Wendling; mother, Jean (Harold) Baughman of Mount Gilead; five children, Joe (Cindy) Wendling III of Westerville, Stacy (Rich) Dittrich of Loudonville, Heather Hedges of Mansfield, Chris (Amy) Armstrong of FL and Stephanie (Kyle) Sinks of Fredericktown; thirteen grandchildren; two great-granddaughters; two brothers, Jan (Pam) Wendling of Mansfield and Jim (Janie) Wendling of Raleigh, NC; a brother-in-law, Gene York of Ontario; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father; brother, John Wendling; and sister, Mitzi York.

The family will receive friends from 3:00-7:00 p.m. Monday, August 9, 2021, at the Ontario Home of Wappner Funeral Directors, 100 S. Lexington-Springmill Road. A mass of Christian burial will be recited on Tuesday at 10:00 a.m. in St. Peter’s Catholic Church, 104 W. First St., Mansfield with Father John Miller officiating. He will be laid to rest in Mansfield Catholic Cemetery with full military honors. If so desired, memorial contributions may be made to St. Peter’s Catholic Church.

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