August 28, 1956 – December 22, 2022
Information provided by Smits Funeral Home
On 12/22/22, Jose (Joe) Mendez, age 66, of East Chicago, IN, was called home by God while surrounded by his loving family. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jose and Elena Mendez. He is survived by his beloved wife, Laura Darlena Mendez; children Wendy (Terry) King, Jocelin (Miguel) Palacio, Jose (Brandy) Mendez III; cherished grandchildren Brielee, Olivia, Alexander, Terry Jr., Gabriel; brothers Edwin (Kimberly) Mendez, Jesus Manuel Mendez and devoted companion of man’s best friend “Bo”.
Joe loved to play the guitar and cuatro; jamming out and using his gift to glorify God. Joe loved living life with family and friends. You could always find him with a cup of coffee in his hand and a smile on his face. He was a hard working man who drove his trucks and made his deliveries with pride.
Jose was loved by many and will be missed dearly.
We invite you to come celebrate the life of our “Champ.” Clothed in the armor of God, he fought the good fight and entered HIS kingdom victoriously!
As our “CHAMP” would always say…. “Alright good people, I’m going to bed.”
Come celebrate the life of Jose Mendez Jr. with family and friends on Wednesday, December 28, 2022, from 5 – 9 p.m. with a celebration of life service from 7 – 8 p.m., at Smits Funeral Home, 2121 Pleasant Springs Lane, Dyer, IN.
Final goodbyes will take place Thursday, December 29, 2022, from 12:30 – 1:15 p.m. at Smits Funeral Home followed by a procession to Chapel Lawn Memorial Gardens, 8178 Cline Ave, Schererville, IN.
Contributions may be given in Jose’s memory to the family for funeral expenses, C/O Wendy King, 11219 Ivybridge Avenue, Las Vegas, NV 89138, or use Wendy King’s Venmo account: wmendez18 or Zelle account: 702-219-1036
For further information, please call 219-322-7300 or visit our online obituary and guest book at www.SMITSFH.com.
