Rev. Dr. John Edwards Mehl

The Reverend Dr. John Edwards Mehl passed away on April 25, 2021 at the age of 84 after a long illness.  Beloved husband of Margaret Ann Ross Mehl, he was born on June 18, 1936 in Wilkes-Barre, PA, and was preceded in death by his parents, Eunice Edwards Mehl and Daniel Rethheiser Mehl, and his sister, Joan Mehl MacConnell. After moving with his family to Mt. Lebanon, he attended public schools there and graduated from Mt. Lebanon High School in 1954. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree at Dartmouth College in 1958, and the Bachelor of Divinity Degree from Pittsburgh Theological Seminary in 1962. In 1963, he married Janet Wood, and they had two sons, Christopher and Bradley. Dr. Mehl received a Master of Theology degree from Union Presbyterian Seminary in1967.  In his first job, Dr. Mehl served as Minister of Christian Education at Unity Presbyterian Church (formerly Wallace Memorial United Presbyterian Church), beginning in 1962. This was the first of many positions he would hold during his lifetime in service to various church-related organizations. Dr. Mehl is survived by his wife, Margaret Ann Ross Mehl, his sons Christopher (Laura) and Bradley (Lynette), and two grandsons, Austin (16) and Gavin (12); nieces Linda Mudd (Paul), Nancy Conley (Gary), Karen Trapani (Vic), and nephew Harry “Chip” MacConnell (Betsy). Dr. Mehl, along with the Rev. Frank C. Bates, was instrumental in the creation of Thesis Theological Cassettes, and also served as its editor. The cassettes provided a source of continuing education for pastors, and were distributed in the United States and Canada. Dr. Mehl served in several capacities for the Kerygma Bible Program. He was a co-founder, Board member, author, editor and teacher. He was also a devoted Board member of Desert Ministries, founded by the Rev. Dr. Richard Cromie, late of Matthews, NC. In 1976, he received a Ph.D. from the University of Pittsburgh School of Education. As a pastor, he served the Bethel Presbyterian Church, and held positions as Interim Pastor at Southminster Presbyterian and Shadyside Presbyterian churches. As administrator and teacher, he held the position of Director of the Doctor of Ministry Program at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary for fourteen years. In response to his quest for justice in all things, he traveled to Hattiesburg, Mississippi in 1964, with a group of pastors from the National Council of Churches in Pittsburgh. The purpose of the trip was to register the citizens to vote. During their efforts, they were arrested and spent time in a workhouse and in jail, before they were released. Dr. Mehl will be fondly remembered for his sense of humor, his modesty, and his deep concern for the well-being of others.

Family and friends will be welcome at a Visitation on Friday, May 21, from 3:00p.m until 7:00p.m. at Laughlin Cremation and Funeral Tributes, 222Washington Rd., Mt. Lebanon, 15216. Memorial Service at Southminster Presbyterian Church, Saturday, May 22 at 2:00p.m. 799 Washington Rd., Mt. Lebanon, 15228. If desired, memorial contributions may be made to Southminster Presbyterian Church, or Shadyside Presbyterian Church, 5121 Westminster Place, 15232

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