Wendell Bloomingburg family. Source: findagrave.com

Wendell Bloomingburg family. Source: findagrave.com

JACKSON, Tenn. (BNc) — Wendell Bloomingburg, 89, passed away on Oct. 17.  He had taught Bible and history at Freed-Hardeman University.

He and his twin brother Wayne graduated from Washington and Lee High School in Arlington, Va, in 1942. They enrolled at Freed-Hardeman the same year.

After a year in college, they were drafted for service in WW II, where Wendell served as a medic. He was wounded in action and was awarded the purple heart.

After service, they returned to Freed-Hardeman and then to Lipscomb University, where Wendell was “Bachelor of Ugliness” and his twin was class president. Wendell later received a Master’s from Harding School of Theology and a Master’s from Vanderbilt University.

He married Mary Dunham in 1947, who preceded him in death. He preached in Lafayette, Ind., and Springfield, Ill. He returned to Freed-Hardeman in 1958 as professor of Bible and history.

He was preceded in death by three brothers and is survived by two sons, Randy Bloomingburg and Dr. Larry Bloomingburg, four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

“Brother Bloomingburg cast a much longer shadow than most know. He is kin by marriage to the Perry family of missionaries in Canada. He led restoration history tours in the 60’s-70’s for FHU, which sparked Tom Childers love for the history of the American restoration.  He taught many of us Bible, Bible Geography, American and World History for many years. He was a humble and patient individual,” Dale Jenkins, preacher with the Spring Meadows church in Spring Hill, Tenn., said.

The editor is one of many former students of brother Bloomingburg, whose quiet manner and keen interest in his pupils endeared him to all.

Funeral services were held Sunday afternoon at Casey Chapel in Henderson. His body was buried with Military Honors at Chester County Memory Gardens.

For more information, see his findagrave entry by Tom Childers.

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