Roll Call Tribute

Harold "Hal" Mandell 

May 2, 1933 - October 27, 2023 

Hal Mandell, of San Antonio, passed away on October 27, 2023 at the age of 90 after a brief illness. He went peacefully surrounded by family to be with his Lord.

He was born in El Paso to a farming and ranching family of Las Cruces, New Mexico. Later, they moved to Crystal City, Texas where he started high school. There he earned a football scholarship to Southwest Texas Junior College. His sophomore year he transferred to Texas A&M University. After one year there, he joined the Air Force where he served for 23 years achieving the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. He started his career at Lackland AFB in San Antonio before serving in Harlingen; Omaha; Germany; Wichita, Kansas; Vietnam; Sunnyvale, California; New Jersey and eventually returning to Kelly AFB in San Antonio where he retired. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross among many other honors during his career. While in the Air Force, he completed his undergraduate degree at the University of Omaha and his MBA at Wichita State University.

Hal lived in San Antonio with his family from 1972 until his passing. There he was a faithful member of Colonial Hills United Methodist Church for more than 50 years. After retiring from the Air Force, he began his second career as a financial advisor. He continued this passion into the last year of his life. He worked first at A.G. Edwards for many years. Later he worked at several other firms in San Antonio before finally retiring from M.E. Allison and Company. He had a strong work ethic and was blessed with much success in his career. He was very grateful for the many teachers and mentors who guided his education and career.

Hal loved his family and was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, etc. He loved to tell jokes and would always ask if you had heard any new ones. He had a tremendous energy and was always available to help friends and family. He was always happy to share his wisdom gained over many years. One of his most consistent bits of advice was to "Buy low and sell high."

Hal is survived by his wife Laverne Todd Mandell, children and spouses Arlayne Mandell and Martin van der Straaten of Nijmegen, Netherlands; Lance and Angela Mandell of Tyler, Texas; Mindy and George Smith of Lott, Texas; and Randy and Camie Todd of San Antonio. He is also survived by grandchildren Nathan and Samuel Mandell; Brittany Fuller; Cailee Rodenbeck; Tyler, Sydney and Sheldon Elkins; Christopher and Carolyn Todd; great grandchildren Josie Rodenbeck and Ava and Atticus Elkins, as well as many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his three older brothers Wesley, Darwin (Junior) and Paul and his first wife Frances Elaine Mandell.

Hal was well loved and will be sorely missed.

Funeral arrangements, under the direction of Sunset Memorial Park & Funeral Home are pending at this time.

Contributions may be made to the charity of the donors choosing. Some of his favorite charities were Boysville of San Antonio, the San Antonio Lighthouse for the Blind, the UT Health Science Center at San Antonio, Colonial Hills UMC and the San Antonio A&M Club.