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Reverend Wendell E. Mettey, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and founder of Matthew 25: Ministries, went home to be with the Lord on October 6, 2025. Wendell pastored Walnut Hills Baptist Church and later Montgomery Community Baptist Church.
Wendell was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1945, the youngest of four children born to Joseph and Mary Mettey. He loved sports and played baseball and football throughout his school years, earning honors as an all-star pitcher and quarterback. But at fifteen, his life took a difficult turn when he lost his beloved father and grandmother within a short time. At this time, Wendell’s faith began to take deep root.
Not long after, Wendell met the love of his life, Michelle, who became his anchor and companion for 64 years. In his words, she was “a gift from God.” Together, they built a family grounded in faith, service, and love.
Wendell attended the University of Cincinnati, where, in the quiet of a small room, he gave his life wholly to God. He often said that from that day forward, he knew there was nothing he and God could not face together. Although his degree was in Economics, Wendell felt God calling him to serve people. He began his career as a social worker but soon realized that to truly help others he needed to care for the whole person – body, mind, and spirit. This realization led him to seminary, where he deepened his faith and discovered his true calling to ministry.
In each place Wendell served, he led with humility, compassion, and steadfast faith. He often said that the work of a pastor was not found in the pulpit, simply being present for those in need. During these years, he and Michelle raised their three children: Tim, Clare, and Aaron, teaching them that faith, compassion and love are not just beliefs, but ways of living.
In 1991, Wendell founded Matthew 25: Ministries, beginning as a small suitcase ministry, working in Nicaragua. What started with a few boxes of supplies soon became a global mission, serving millions here in the U.S. and around the world. Wendell built partnerships with companies and communities, creating a model that turned waste into hope. He often referred to himself as “a trash picker for the Lord.” Under his leadership, Matthew 25: grew to ship tens of millions of pounds of humanitarian aid each year, responding to disasters globally and helping the poorest of the poor in God’s name.
Wendell’s life was filled with what he liked to call “God stories,” the quiet miracles of everyday life, and grace that guided his every step. He often said that the ministry’s success was not his doing, but the Lord’s, and that the true miracle was the people who came together to serve.
Wendell was a published author and accomplished storyteller, known for his heartfelt devotionals and inspirational works that touched hearts and lives. His words carried warmth, wisdom, and the presence of God in ordinary life. His writings, like his sermons, reminded people that love, compassion, and humility are the truest measures of faith.
Wendell was happiest outdoors. He loved to fish and was a master gardener with an eye for beauty in the yard. He enjoyed golf, even when his slice had other ideas, and played racquetball and softball with energy and joy. He was a runner, a loyal Reds and Bengals fan, and a bowler whose strong arm sent the pins flying.
Throughout his life, he faced each day with courage and peace, certain of the One who held his life. His legacy lives on in the work of Matthew 25: Ministries and in the countless lives touched by his faith and compassion.
He is survived by his devoted wife, Michelle, his children: Tim (Lesleigh), Clare (Michael), and Aaron (Michael); his sister, Anita; and his cherished grandchildren: Ethan, Cora, Noel, Sidney, Aubriana, Ashlyn, Eden, Livia, Jensen, and Graham, along with many nieces, nephews, and dear friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Mary, and his brothers, Joseph and Thomas.
Those who knew Wendell will remember him not for what he built, but for how he lived, with kindness, humility, and an unwavering trust in God’s goodness. His favorite verse, and the one he lived by, was Matthew 25:40: “Whatever you did for one of the least of these, you did for me.”
Please keep the Mettey family in your prayers.
