Donald Edward Mengle

Donald (Don) Edward Mengle, age 86, died 15 December 2022 at his home of 52 years in Pennsylvania Furnace, PA. Born March 10, 1936 in Altoona PA, he was the son of the late Howard Edgar Mengle and Helen Marie (Detwiler) Mengle. On September 24, 1955 in Altoona he married Jo Anne Detrich, who survives. He is also survived by his son, David Mengle and his son, Cary; and daughter, Carol Groff (Steven T.) and their sons Matthew (Christie) and Nicholas and 4 great grandchildren He was pre-deceased by an older brother, Howard Edgar Mengle, Jr. who died as a young child. Don and Jo Anne traveled extensively with their young children on family camping vacations across the United States from New England to Florida to California. As “empty nesters” they graduated to motorhomes and then to a winter residence in Ft Myers FL. They also traveled to several European countries where they made friends from around the world. One especially memorable trip included a visit to the Normandy Beaches, site of the WW II D-Day landings on June 6, 1944. Don was a member of US Naval Reserve for 10 years. He retired from Pfizer Pharmaceutical Company after many years in pharmaceutical and allied professions. He organized and served as founding Scout Master of two Boy Scout Troops; Troop 22 in Williamsport, PA and Troop 104 in Warriors Mark, PA. He served as a PIAA Official for Track and Cross Country at State College High School for 35 years. An avid runner himself, he completed 13 marathons and retired from running to become a long-distance cyclist. He was a member of Logan Lodge #490 Free & Accepted Masons; Valley of Altoona, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite Bodies; and Jaffa Shrine. As a very active 21-year member of Sons of the American Revolution, he served as President and Treasurer of both the Centre County Chapter of SAR, and the Pennsylvania State Society, Sons of the American Revolution. Some of his other interests and activities included attending antique shows, flea markets, and concerts; attending Penn State and watching Steeler football; spending winters in warm weather; playing with the family dachshunds; and spending time with family and friends. There will be no visitation. Memorial contributions can be made to Centre County Paws, 1401 Trout Rd, State College, PA 16801 or Friends of the SAR Library, 809 West Main Street, Louisville, KY 40202. Arrangements are by Mauk & Yates Funeral Home, Inc.