Patricia H. "Pat" Brendel

Mrs. Patricia "Pat" Brendel, widow of Frank "Bim" Brendel of Burkesville, (Hendricks Creek) Kentucky passed away on Thursday, July 20, 2023, at her home with many of her friends and family at her side having obtained the age of 85 years, 10 months and 17 days. 

“Pat” was born to Charles T. and Martha P. Hill on September 3, 1937 in Canton, Ohio.  In 1952 Pat met the love of her life – Bim in home room at Lehman High School, where the most favorite story Bim told was about the distraction in that home room, “two rows over and two seats up caused Bim to flunk home room, two semesters in a row.”

Moving to Hendricks Creek Fishing Camp, Inc. with two daughters –Patty Brendel and Charlette in 1961. Pat and Bim began operations of the Dock, and three additional children, Lillian (Duaine) Rebstock – Franklin, KY, Frances Brendel – Bowling Green, KY and Frank Brendel III – Burkesville, KY were added to the family over the next seven years. 

Pat was heavily involved in the Cumberland County Band program as all five of her children began participation in grade school and continued until their departure from the school. 

Chairperson for the Cumberland County Republican Committee during Governor elect Louis B. Nunn’s election campaign in the late 1960’s, working the polls during elections and multiple trips to the White House kept Pat busy.  She was especially proud of the opportunity to attend President Reagan’s inauguration. 

Pat and Bim were members of the Burkesville Baptist Church where she sang in the choir and they both volunteered for a variety of functions in the church.  She was also active in the Red Hat Society, and “We Care’s” Steel Horse Stampede Fundraiser.   

Pat had a very giving nature and never met a stranger. Her infectious smile was a warm welcome to all those that knew her. Pat was also known by many as “The Happy Hugger of Hendricks Creek.” Her hugs were a trademark as well as her famous RED lip prints she would leave on the cheeks of those she met... IF you were lucky enough to get one of her awesome hugs you could consider yourself blessed.

Employees of Hendricks Creek were also considered family and every Christmas she always made sure the children of Hendricks Creek’s employees had a Christmas toy at the annual Christmas party. She enjoyed giving to those she cared about more than ever getting anything in return. To say Pat had a heart the size of Dale Hollow is an understatement because everyone who knew her would agree. 

Pat leaves behind not only her 5 children, Patty Brendel - Burkesville, KY, Charlette Bellew (Ross) – Cottage Grove, TN, Lillian Rebstock (Duaine) – Franklin, KY, Frances Brendel– Bowling Green, KY and Frank Brendel III – Burkesville, KY and special Son, Tony Riddle – Burkesville, KY,  but also eleven grandchildren:  Angela (Lewis) Semerling, Murray, KY, Lonnie Blanton, Jr., Lynnville, KY, Mary Pat Blanton, Lynnville, KY, Kyle (Kimberly) Blanton – Jamestown, LA, Faith Amrein (Brandon Bellamy) - Cincinnati, OH,  Ashton (John) Pennycuff – Franklin, KY, Megan Harvey -  Bowling Green, KY,  Andi Amrein – Cincinnati, OH,  Caitlin (Michael) Lambright – Columbus, OH, Jordan (Brett) Nida – Wadsworth, OH and Logan Brendel -  Cuyahoga Falls, OH. Pat is also survived by 12 great grandchildren.

The Celebration of Life service was held at Norris-New Funeral Home, July 25th at 11:00 am. with Pastor Ronnie Pitcock and Dr. Mark Shelton officiating. 

The burial was in Scott Cemetery in Peytonsburg, KY.  Pallbearers for the service Tony Riddle, Logan Brendel, Andy Wallis, Brandon Bellamy, Mark Hostetler, Eli Hostetler and John Pennycuff.  Honorary Pallbearers – Mark Proffitt and Duaine Rebstock.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to the Dale Hollow Lake Marina Association’s Scholarship Fund.  The Association has given an academic scholarship to one Senior from each County that touches Dale Hollow Lake the past eight years in the amount of $500 and recently added a $500 scholarship to one individual on the Fishing Team as well.  Donations to the fund may be left at Norris-New Funeral Home during the two-day services or mailed to:  Dale Hollow Lake Marina Association, Attn: Pat Brendel Memorial, 5274 Bradford Hicks Dr., Livingston, TN 38570. 

Norris-New Funeral Home was honored to be in charge of the arrangements.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Patricia H. "Pat" Brendel, please visit our floral store.