Jerry Mendoza

Jerry Mendoza was born on December 6, 1949, in Bayou Sorrell to James and Daisy Ashley Mendoza, of Bayou Chene, Louisiana. He passed away on Sunday, August 3, 2025.
Jerry was the tenth of twelve children and was raised in part by his beloved Aunt Mame Voisin. From a young age, Jerry showed a strong drive to better himself, becoming both an accomplished athlete and an avid learner.
After graduation, Jerry worked as a surveyor offshore in the Gulf of Mexico and throughout the country. He loved to share many stories about his travels and offshore work. He eventually built a successful career in the chemical industry where his curiosity and deep mechanical knowledge set him apart. He became known as an expert in predictive maintenance and went on to start his own company, employing several people from the community for over 20 years.
In retirement, Jerry took on the role of Range Master at the newly established Iberville Parish Firing Range. He was passionate about creating a safe, welcoming environment for the community to learn about and enjoy shooting sports. He was known for his work ethic, loyalty, and genuine care for the range and its patrons.
More than anything, Jerry was a family man. He loved his wife of 54 years, Doris, and their daughters Hayley and Ashley, and considered them his greatest accomplishments. He shared with them his love of the outdoors, animals, music, reading, and softball. He was immensely proud of his grandsons, Clayton Brown, Christian Brown, and Reid Mendoza. Whether teaching them golf, hunting, fishing, baseball or life lessons, Jerry was always present, always guiding with humor, heart, and wisdom. He also gave them the "ok" to test boundaries and break a few rules, all in the name of fun and experience.
Jerry leaves behind a legacy of honor, hard work, and quiet strength. He led by example, loved deeply, and we could not have asked for a better husband, father, and grandfather. While we are grateful for the time we had with him, our lives are forever changed by his loss, and his absence will be felt daily.
He is survived by his wife, Doris Day Mendoza, his daughters, Hayley Mendoza Brown (Chad), and Ashley Mendoza (Bobby Messenger); and his grandsons Clayton Brown, Christian Brown, and Reid Mendoza. He is also survived by his brothers Gary, Dean (JoAnn), and Mark (Sylvia) Mendoza; his sisters Beverly Ray and Ruth Pence (Gary); and a large extended family of nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Daisy Mendoza, his Aunt Mame; his brothers Orie, Hubert, Charles, Calvin and Ivan Mendoza; and his sister Lillie Alexander.
Visitation will be at Wilbert Funeral Home in Plaquemine on Wednesday, August 6th, from 6 to 9 p.m. and on Thursday, August 7th, at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Plaquemine from 9 a.m. until Rite of Christian Burial at 11 a.m., celebrated by Rev. Martin Lawrence. Entombment will follow in Grace Memorial Park.
Pallbearers will be Clayton and Christian Brown, Reid and Justin Mendoza, David Pence, Barry Alexander, Thad Doss, Kevin Kolder and Dwain Elliott. Honorary pallbearers will be Chad Brown, Bobby Messenger, Dean, Mark, Gary and Brandon Mendoza, Gabe and Shane Doss.
The family would like to thank all those who have reached out with love and support during Jerry's brief illness. We are especially grateful to the Ochsner staff in both Plaquemine and New Orleans for their compassionate care and the Iberville Parish Government and Sheriff's Office for their support.
Please share memories at www.wilbertservices.com.