Robert Luke Mentzer age 84 entered into his eternal home with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, at Embassy of Woodland Park, Orbisonia, PA.
He was the son of the late Fred and Mary (Cormany) Mentzer and husband of 62 years to Judy (Marshall) Mentzer of Chambersburg.
They have two children Holly (husband Steve) Dibert and Scott (wife Stacey Kunkle) Mentzer. Holly and Steve have two daughters Abigail and Julianna. Scott and Stacey have two sons Bryce (wife Camaryn) and Drew.
Bob is survived by his sister Martha Stake, sister-in-law Brenda (husband Dean), and brother-in-law Robert (wife Susan) Marshall.
He was preceded in death by his sister Barbara and her husband Harold Ickes. He has many nieces and nephews.
Bob graduated from Shippensburg State College in 1963. He was ordained in 1980 by the United Brethren Church after completing the pastoral correspondence course through Huntington College, Huntington, IN.
He taught social studies, geography, and American history for 40 years starting at Saint Thomas and later at James Buchanan Middle School until his retirement. He enjoyed teaching and engaging with his students. Meeting and speaking with former students in public settings or at their workplaces was especially gratifying to him. In his early years of teaching, he also served as assistant wrestling coach.
Bi-vocational, he pastored two small churches for 50 years. Mainsville United Brethren Church in Shippensburg was the first congregation he faithfully served for 35 years. He then pastored for 15 years at St. Paul in Lemasters. Sharing the Good News of the Gospel of Christ through preaching was his calling by the Holy Spirit. He faithfully committed countless hours preparing sermons, visiting with people in hospitals and in their homes, greeting people, serving communion.
Prayer was his privilege and responsibility to the holy God in whom he entrusted his life. Even as his earthly body failed, he prayed with humility and gratitude especially for the gift of salvation through faith in the completed work of Jesus who shed His precious blood on the cross for sin.
Following baseball, basketball, football, hockey, and wrestling was a favorite hobby. When son Scott was in little league, he refereed many baseball games. He enjoyed fishing with family and friends.
The family would like to sincerely thank the staff at Embassy of Woodland Park as well as Bristol Hospice who lovingly cared for Bob during his lengthy illness.
For all those who graciously sacrificed their time to take Judy to State College and Orbisonia to visit Bob, both she and the family are most grateful.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a love gift to his home church:
St. James United Brethren Church
2398 Warm Spring Road
Chambersburg, PA 17202
Celebration of life service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at West Side Brethren in Christ Church, 2665 Lincoln Way West, Chambersburg, PA 17202.
Family and friends are welcome to attend a viewing prior to the service from 9:30 -11 a.m. (Saturday, February 28, 2026, at West Side Brethren in Christ Church).
Interment will be at Salem United Brethren Church Cemetery at 3 p.m.
Kelso-Cornelius Funeral Home, Ltd. Chambersburg has been entrusted with these services.
Online condolences may be expressed at the funeral home’s website.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Robert, please visit the floral store.
