Columbus, OH — John H. Menges, 93, died Dec. 24, 2024, in Stuart, Fla.
The youngest of six, he was born Feb. 23, 1931, in St. Louis, Mo., to Mary Hoehne and Louis Menges. He graduated from Bernardsville High School in Bernardsville, N.J., before earning his architectural degree from The Catholic University in Washington D.C.
He married his high school sweetheart Doretta Horstmann on Dec. 27, 1951. Together they raised three children in New Castle, Pa., Karl, Kurt and Rebecca.
He was the architect on his pride and joy, Louisville Downs, in Louisville, Ky. Specializing in harness and dog tracks, he was a leading consultant in race track design as well as winterizing grandstands for year-round racing. He worked at The Meadows, Pocono Downs, The Red Mile, Northfield Park and The Hollywood Dog Track to name a few. He served on the board of directors for Louisville Downs and M&Q Plastics.
Upon retirement he raced a small stable of Standardbreds while enjoying golfing, hiking and fishing with family at the PA Club in Canada.
As his health declined he enjoyed simple conversation and could often be heard encouraging those less fortunate than him to keep trying and to never give up. He had a dear friend, John Hendricks, who visited him often until the end. The family is forever indebted to him.
He is survived by his wife, Carole Harding Menges; son, Kurt (Kitty); daughter, Rebecca (Harold) Brocklehurst; grandchildren, Emily (Todd), Christopher (Stephanie), David (Kristen), Mike (Nicole), Bryce, and Madison; great-grandchildren, Owen, Louie and Olive; stepdaughters, Cindy and Patrese; seven great-stepchildren; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; first wife, Doretta; oldest son, Karl; and siblings, Louis, Louise, Marge, Bill and Rosemary.
Memorial contributions may be made to The American Cancer Society.