John Mendez, age 78 of Gering passed away in the early morning hours of January 2nd, 2018 after a courageous battle with cancer. At his request, cremation has taken place and there will be no visitation. His memorial service will be held at 10:30am on Friday, January 5, 2018 at The Rock Church in Scottsbluff with Pastor Tyson Lambertson officiating. The family respectfully requests that in lieu of any flowers, memorials in John’s honor be made in care of the family to be designated at a later time. Bridgman Funeral Home (formerly Jolliffe Funeral Home) is in charge of arrangements.

On September 30th 1939, John was born to Ray and Margaret (Livingston) Mendez, of Los Angeles, California, being their only child.

At the early age of 11, he pedaled his bike many miles delivering newspapers in the Los Angeles area. From money he saved delivering newspapers, he bought his first car at the age of 16. John later worked at a machine shop for 10 years before attending a trade school to learn the art of flooring installation. John and his family made their move to Denver, Colorado in the early 1970’s where he continued to advance within the flooring trade.

John attempted a career change that brought him to Scottsbluff, Nebraska that later returned him to the flooring business, then starting his own business known as J&L Carpet Service. He enjoyed 45 years within the industry with 40 of those years serving the greater Panhandle area installing flooring at many area schools, homes, businesses and even the local hospital.

He married his wife LaWanda on August 30th, 1980 in Central City, Colorado. They enjoyed many trips to Lake Powell on a houseboat and camping with grandchildren in the Black Hills. Their travels included installing flooring in many new motels in several states throughout the Midwest.

His passions included coaching his eldest son’s little league team, family get-togethers and reunions, volunteering for his grandson’s Troop 3 Boy Scouts, bowling, fishing/hunting, and poker nights with friends. But, his most enjoyable hobby was their opportunity to take a road trip to casinos with only Wanda coming home a winner, to John’s dismay.

John’s legacy lives on through his wife of 37 years, LaWanda; son David of Rochester, MN; daughter Vicki (Dan) Trevarthen of Riverside, CA; stepson Chad Hartshorn; stepdaughter Lisa Wakeley both of Gering; grandchildren Krystina (Rob) Edge of Las Vegas, NV, Brandon Pierce of Cheyenne, WY, Alesia Miller and Shaylean (Jake) Blaha all of Gering, Trenton Hartshorn, Trey Miller and Bryli Miller all of Scottsbluff; seven great-grandchildren; the mother of his children LeeAnn Mendez of Riverside, CA, and numerous brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, and his beloved dog Poe.

He is preceded in death by his infant son Steven, his parents, and his stepson Clark Hartshorn, Jr.

The entire family would like to extend many thanks to his loving wife LaWanda for taking such amazing care of him over the last 37 years, and especially during his courageous battle with cancer. And a special thank you to his granddaughter Alesia for helping care for him in his final days.

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