Joseph David Mengden

Joseph “Dave” Mengden, 81, passed away October 21, 2021, in Jacksonville, Florida. Dave was born the youngest of three in Houston, TX to Paul Mengden and Hope Bandera. Upon graduating with a Chemical Engineering degree from Rice University, he served as an officer in the U.S. Navy. His 4 years in the Navy enabled him to travel the world and meet his future wife Marilyn Barber, while stationed in Honolulu. Dave and Marilyn began their family in Honolulu, HI with the birth of Leslie and Paul, followed by their Houston-born kids, David, and Karen. Dave was driven to create a life for his family grounded in a love of learning, passed down by his mother, and a foundation of financial security. He excelled at the DuPont company where he rose to be an executive and gave his family the opportunity to travel the world — living in Geneva and Hong Kong. After a 35-year career, he retired to assume leadership positions in several non-profits, including the American Red Cross. Dave enjoyed a very full life of diverse experiences and passions. He was an avid skier, tennis player, reader, and crossword aficionado. His family’s favorite memories of him will always be sitting around a game table playing cribbage, Settlers and weekly trivia. Dave’s qualities were limitless, but he will be most remembered for his unconditional love and support of his family. He was immensely proud of his children and grandchildren, and they will forever be enriched by his life lessons. He may have left us in body, however he will never, ever, leave us in spirit. Dave is survived by his daughters, Leslie Mengden Mosier, with whom he resided, and Karen Mengden Hershenson (Trent); son Paul Mengden (Karen); daughter-in-law Karen; grandchildren Anthony (Jessica), Andrew, Austin (Chantelle), Alec, Chloe, Bryce, Kayla, Mitchell, Adam, Cory, Danielle, Jason; great grandchildren Samaria, Asher, Ava, Gavin; sister Eleanor Ebanks; and ex-wife Marilyn Mengden. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Paul Mengden and his son David Mengden. A Celebration of Life will be held Wednesday, October 27 at 4:00 PM. EST at St Johns Family Funeral Home. Covid-19 safety protocols will be in effect. For those unable to attend, you may watch via live stream by clicking on this link https://iframe.dacast.com/b/156599/c/549019. The family welcomes donations to the charity of your choice as an expression of sympathy instead of flowers. St Johns Family Funeral Home & Crematory is in charge of the arrangements.

Joseph David Mengden

December 28, 1939 - October 21, 2021