Gerald (Jerry) M. Mendes, 78, born July 1, 1947, in Lompoc, California passed away on December 4, 2025 at home in Atascadero after a short battle with leukemia.
Jerry graduated from Lompoc High in 1965 where he excelled in FFA. He had champion steer and fat lamb at the Santa Barbara County fair. Jerry was a veteran, joining the Coast Guard in 1966. He did two tours in Vietnam, then finished his service in 1970 on the USCG Cutter Cape Hedge in Morro Bay. Jerry was an expert small boat handler and worked as a harbor patrolman for many years in Morro Bay, followed by setting up the Harbor Patrol at Port San Luis. Jerry rescued many people from the cold water in Morro Bay Harbor during his time as a harbor patrolman. He finished his working career with 20 years in the California Department of Fish and Game on commercial fisheries enforcement boats.
Jerry’s love of raising animals didn’t stop when he graduated from high school. He raised sheep and supplied high quality lambs for local 4H club members.
Jerry was a loyal and generous son, husband, father, brother, uncle, and friend to many people. He is survived by his wife Dedee, son Robert, daughters Laura (Katrin) and Maggie, grandson Slade, sister Joanne Schuyler, brothers George (Lori) and Joe (Valentina), and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Jerry is predeceased by his father George Mendez, his mother Florence Leonardo Mendez, and brothers John and Jim.
Cremation by Neptune Society. No service is planned at this time. Donations may be made in Jerry’s name to the American Diabetes Association.
