Thomas L. Schendel, age 68, passed away in Franklin, NC, on March 1, 2011. Born in Indianapolis, IN, on November 7, 1942, he was the son of Carl and Nellie Schendel.
He graduated from Butler University as pharmacist and later completed a master's degree in hospital pharmacy at UNC-Chapel Hill. He was licensed as a pharmacist in Indiana and North Carolina. In 1968 he was commissioned as an officer in the U.S. Air Force. After twenty-one years of service as a licensed pharmacist, he retired as a lieutenant colonel. Following his Air Force career, he was director of pharmacy at Wayne Memorial Hospital in Goldsboro, NC, until his retirement in 1999.
Tom enjoyed hiking the Appalachian Trail and worked on the Nantahala Hiking Club trail maintenance crew for one year. He also was an avid reader and bicyclist. He raced in the United States Cycling Federation veteran's class and completed many half, metric, and century rides.
He is survived by his wife, Dee; daughter, Lee Dean (Scott); granddaughter, Sydney; nieces; nephews; and many relatives. Besides his parents, a brother preceded him in death.
A memorial service will be held at Macon Funeral Home, 261 Itola St., Franklin, NC, on March 7, at 2 p.m. The family will receive friends from 1 – 2 p.m. prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Livestrong Foundation (Livestrong.org).
Macon Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.