Heath A. Mendez, 54, of Decatur, IN, passed away surrounded by his family at his residence on Friday, January 16, 2026. He was born in Decatur, IN, on May 29, 1971, the son of Robert E. Mendez and Margery D. (Ranly) Poole. On September 11, 2010, he married Jennifer A. McBride.
He was a parishioner of St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church. He was among the alumni of St. Joseph Catholic School and was a 1989 graduate of Bellmont High School. He was also an Eagle Scout. He then went on to receive his Associates of Industrial Maintenance & Millwright Technology from Ivy Tech.
He worked at Dolco in Decatur for 8 years and at Edy’s in Fort Wayne 5 years. His longest tenure was as a millwright at General Motors for 20 years UAW Local 2209.
Heath’s greatest joys in life were his wife, family, friends, and grandchildren, who were the center of his world. He found happiness in the simple and meaningful moments—riding his motorcycle, enjoying live music, traveling, and sharing good food with the people he loved. He especially enjoyed barbecuing and swimming in his backyard pool. He had a talent for repairing all kinds of things and for finding great deals. He also enjoyed playing cards, particularly blackjack, and cherished the laughter and connection those moments brought. Heath had a genuine love for life that everyone around him felt.
Heath was an extraordinary father to his sons and a guiding father figure to many. He helped raise his younger siblings and nieces, stepping into a role of responsibility with strength, patience, and selflessness. Throughout his life, he continued to offer that same steady presence to other children who came into his world—always ready with guidance, protection, and unconditional love. His influence shaped generations, and countless lives are better because of his love and wisdom.
We lost the most amazing person we have ever known—the heart of our family and the one who held us all together. Family was everything to him, and his life was built around loving, protecting, and always showing up for those he loved. He was brilliant beyond words and the strongest man we ever knew. Yet his greatest gift was his heart and the way he made everyone feel safe, understood, and deeply loved.
To know him was a gift, and to lose him is a one-in-a-million heartbreak. Though the world feels darker without him, his love, strength, and legacy will live on in our family always.
Heath is survived by his wife of 15 years, Jennifer A. Mendez of Decatur; his father, Robert “Nutty” Mendez of Decatur; his father-in-law, Dan McBride; 5 children, Cody Mendez, Gabriel Diaz, Caleb Mendez (Tatyana Wimmer), Allison Mendez, and Holland (Courtney) Mendez all of Decatur; 8 siblings, Heidi Mendez, Jonathon “Flick” (Brandy) Flueckiger, Patrick Phillips, Austin (Carrie) Mendez, Corbin Mendez, Ty Mendez, and Ambrose Mendez; 6 grandchildren, Lucian Mendez, Lorenzo Mendez, Grayson Mendez, Marlina Mendez, Blakely Beer and Hendrix Mendez; mother-in-law, Geraldine Sudduth; In-laws, Jeff (Jamie) Sudduth, Jodi (Wade) Manning, Chris McBride, and John (Nikki) McBride; nieces and nephews, Vivian Mendez (Ian Webb), Matthew (Grace) Rush, Samantha Sudduth, Makayla Sudduth, and Kaitlyn McBride.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Margery D. Poole; his father-in-law Gerald D. Sudduth; maternal grandparents, Mary & Carl Ranly; paternal grandparents, Robert & Kathryn Mendez.
Visitation will be held from 1:30 – 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 22, 2026, at Haggard-Hirschy & Zelt Funeral Home, with a reciting of the Holy Rosary at 1:00 p.m. Attire is casual and if possible please wear your “Fight Like A Mendez” shirt.
A Funeral Liturgy will be held at 11:00 a.m. on, Friday, January 23, 2026, in St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church, with Father Jacob Runyon presiding. Burial will immediately follow in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to his Grandchildren’s Education Fund (checks may be made payable to Jennifer Mendez).
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