Paul Junior Mendez

Paul Junior Mendez, 73, passed away on May 17, 2025 following his battle with pancreatic cancer.

He was born to the late Paul G. Mendez and Dolores A. (Ayala) Mendez on July 2, 1951 in Decatur, Indiana.

Paul married his former wife, Brenda A. Mater in 1974, and they were together for 36 years. From this marriage came his only child, Alicia.

He was a member of the Knights of Columbus #864 Council in Decatur, Indiana.

Paul graduated from Bellmont High School in 1969, and St. Francis College in Fort Wayne in 1975. He played on the St. Francis College soccer team for 4 years, received a Bachelor’s Degree in Education, and was the senior class President of his class. He was the first in his immediate family to graduate from high school as well as college. Following graduation, he was employed with the City of Fort Wayne where he handled Grant Writing, was a Civil Rights Investigator, and was instrumental in preparing proposals and data that helped bring GM to Fort Wayne. Paul was also involved in getting legislation passed for English as a Second Language in the Fort Wayne Community School system, and served as the school’s liaison with the Hispanic community. He later worked at Indiana State Teachers Association for 15 years where he was in charge of their statewide computer technology, and later retired as a Computer Technician for Stanley Black & Decker.

Paul enjoyed collecting comic books, cycling, hiking, and reading. He was an avid fan of Pacers basketball, Notre Dame football, Bellmont High School and collegiate wrestling, and of course, his Cleveland Guardians. His family was most important to him and he strived to be a good example for everyone. He was the eldest of 8 children, and spending time with his siblings was among his happiest times. When his parents passed, he stepped up and took on the responsibility of caretaker for his brother with Down syndrome, Matthew. He extended his love to every branch of his family tree and kept his family closest to his heart. He committed himself to stay in touch with as many of his aunts, uncles, and cousins as possible, and was the heart of the family. Of all his accomplishments, his daughter was what he was most proud of. He was the most supportive, patient, and understanding Father, and it was his mission in life to provide her every opportunity that he could. She was the light of his life, and she truly had his whole heart.

He is survived by his daughter, Alicia (Patrick) Mendez McCarthy of Indianapolis, Indiana; brother, Eric (Margaret) Mendez of Decatur, Indiana; sister, Karen (Marlin) Bowman of Decatur, Indiana; sister, Eileen (Chabela) Mendez of Oakland, California; brother, David Mendez of Labanon, Indiana; brother, Matthew Mendez of Decatur, Indiana; brother, Patrick Mendez of Madison, Indiana; and sister-in-law, Dianna Mendez of West Palm Beach, Florida.

Along with his parents, Paul is preceded in death by his brother, Edward Michael Mendez.

A funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Friday, May 23, 2025, at the Zwick & Jahn Funeral Home, Decatur. The family will have a reception following the service and all are welcome- location to be announced.

Family and friends will be received from 4-7 p.m. on Thursday, May 22, 2025 at the Zwick & Jahn Funeral Home, Decatur, and hour prior to the service on Friday at the funeral home.

Preferred memorials may be given to Adams County Community Foundation-Cancer Fund.