John S. Rendleman III, 67, of Carbondale, Illinois, passed away at his home on June 30, 2026. He was born on December 15, 1958, in Carbondale to John S. Rendleman II and Lenora (Norris) Rendleman.

Born in Carbondale and raised in Edwardsville, John was proudly a life-long resident of Southern Illinois. He graduated from Edwardsville High School in 1977. After his father’s untimely passing, John would not leave his family and the area. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in History from Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville, where his father had served as that campus’s first president. Like his grandfather and father, John was called to the law, earning a Juris Doctor from Southern Illinois University School of Law in Carbondale in 1987. After graduation, John joined Carbondale’s Feirich Mager Green Ryan law firm, where he later became partner and practiced for many years. Five years ago, he opened Rendleman Law on West Main St, where he continued to serve clients with integrity, wisdom and compassion.

Having an unshakeable belief that government can be a force for good, John pursued public service. He ran as the Democratic Party’s nominee for Illinois State Representative in 1996. Not deterred from public service by a narrow loss, John pursued local politics, serving on the Jackson County Board for 18 years, and led the board as chairman from 2012-2018.

John had an extraordinary ability to solve problems, whether repairing a tractor or a jet ski, helping build a last-minute school diorama, explaining algebra, or editing an essay. He was the person family and friends turned to whenever something needed fixing—or understanding. For more than 30 years, he faithfully organized the Rendleman family reunion, bringing generations together. He had a gift for language and was often called upon to speak for the family at important occasions, including delivering the eulogy at his mother's funeral. He enjoyed talking with people wherever he went and could find common ground sharing a joke with almost anyone, whether a taxi driver, a tour guide, or a young child.

An avid outdoorsman, John found great joy in fishing, camping, hiking, and spending time in nature with family and friends. He loved the study of history, cheered enthusiastically for his favorite sports teams, and could often be found listening to classic rock and roll.

Above all else, John was a proud and loving father to his four daughters: Margaret, Eleanore, Alison, and Jane. He treasured his family, valued lifelong friendships, and cared deeply about his community. His humor, generosity, and steadfast presence touched countless lives, and he will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

John is survived by Andrea Rendleman; his daughters, Margaret, Eleanore, Alison, and Jane; his siblings, Matthew Rendleman (Claudia), Jean Rendleman Miner (George), Mary Rendleman Lindner (John), and D. Scott Rendleman (Kirsten Lynch); his Aunt Cecelia Norris and Aunt Mary Carolyn Hudgens, along with many nieces, nephews, extended family members, dear friends, colleagues, and his dog, Ozzy.

John's life was defined by service, generosity, intellectual curiosity, and an unwavering devotion to his family, friends, and community. His example and the countless lives he touched will continue to inspire those who knew and loved him.

A Celebration of Life honoring John S. Rendleman III will be held on Saturday, July 25, 2026, at the Student Center on the campus of Southern Illinois University.

Family and friends are invited to gather for a pre-service reception from 3:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. in the Cocker Lounge. The Celebration of Life service will begin at 3:30 p.m. in the Ballroom, followed by dinner at 4:30 p.m.

The Rendleman family warmly welcomes all who knew and loved John to join them in celebrating his life and the many memories he shared with family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Brehm Preparatory School at https://www.brehm.org/donate or Illinois Native Plant Society at https://www.illinoisplants.org/donations.

Ministry of Comfort lovingly entrusted to Southern Cremation and Burial Services of Murphysboro, Illinois.