Theodore Kenneth Bundenthal, age 89, of Decatur, died Monday, April 1, at home. Born in East Lansing, Michigan, Dr. Bundenthal was a modern Renaissance man and citizen of the world. After a childhood in St. Louis and rural Augusta, Missouri, Theodore attended prep school at St. Paul’s in Concordia, Missouri, followed by B.A. and B.D. degrees from Concordia College. He furthered his extensive education with a Master’s degree in English literature from Washington University in St. Louis while dual enrolled and receiving Master’s in Divinity from Concordia Seminary for the Lutheran Church- Missouri Synod. He later received doctorates in Theology and in English literature from the University of Nebraska. A life-long learner he also studied at Oxford and also became a Fulbright Scholar. A linguist, theologian, professor, educator, tour leader, missionary and intelligence specialist, Dr. Bundenthal travelled to and lived in far flung locales around the globe, including China, Israel, Ecuador, Pakinstan and Egypt. Closer to home, he ministered to churches across the United States, rose in accademia as a professior and Accademic Dean at various colleges and Universities including Marion Institute and Concordia Selma. Theodore had a distinguished career in the U.S. Air Force where he achieved the rank of Colonel before retirement. Theodore was deeply involved in Rotary International, as well as serving as community arts liason where he was instrumental in bringing international orchestras, ballets, plays, and concerts to his communities. Despite Theodore’s many achievements, inarguably his best accomplishment was marrying his wife of nearly 60 years, Eva May Dobbins, who preceded him in death in 2012. Dr. Bundenthal is survived by his five children: Cynthia McKeough, Christina and Charles Hatch, Ted Bundenthal, Tabitha and Chris Rautenstrauch and Thomas and Stephanie Bundenthal. He is also survived by six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. A celebration of life service is planned for later this year, details still being arranged. In lieu of flowers, Theodore would requests that you smell the flowers, read, exercise and take advantage of every moment God gives us.