Richard “Rick” Mendez

Richard “Rick” Mendez obituary, Switzer, WV

Richard “Rick” Mendez

Richard Mendez Obituary

Visit the Collins Funeral Home, Inc. - Switzer website to view the full obituary.

Richard “Rick” Mendez, 74 of Bristol, VA formerly of Omar, WV, passed away on July 9th, 2025 at 11:40pm at Marietta Memorial Hospital in Marietta, OH surrounded by his wife, kids, and his sweet Cathryn. He was born to the late Lorenzo and Gertrude Mendez on November 29th, 1950.

In addition to his parents he is preceded in death by his mother and father in law, Charles and Brenda Baisden; one brother in law. Charlie Baisden; one grandson, Kenny Plumley; childhood friend, David Spradling; two faithful companions, Chico and Sammy.

Rick enjoyed umpiring little league and high school baseball, riding around in his truck and four wheeling in the hills. Rick was a coal miner, he worked for WP Coal Company. He also held the title for running a mile in 4.57 minutes at Logan High. He loved watching gun smoke with his faithful brother, Lawrence, and being spoiled by his favorite doctor, Dr. Tammy Mendez Montgomery. He was a big fan of WV Mountaineers and the Cincinnati Reds.

Those left to cherish his memories are his wife of 42 years, Kimberly Mendez; one son, Richard Lee (Alicia Ashby) Mendez; two daughters, Ricci Rashael (Chuck Vickers) Mendez and Catherine Jenna’ (Bryson) Ellis; one step daughter, Keely (Joey) Gibson-Marcum; three brothers, Johnny (Debbie) Mendez, Lawrence (Mary) Mendez, and David Lee Mendez; 3 sisters, Mary Rose (Gary) Watson, Patty (Allen) Adkins, and Carol (Jeff) McGinnis; one sister in law, Stephanie (Gene) Bevins; six grandchildren, Jacob Wiley, Reed Dingess, Claire Dingess, Cathryn Vickers, Bryson Ellis II, and Zachary Ellis; two great grandchildren, Kacen Dingess and Baron Teo Vandamia-Dingess; host of nieces, nephews, family, and friends.

A visitation will be held from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm Saturday, July 12, 2025 at Collins Funeral Home Chapel in Switzer, WV.

A second visitation will be held from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm Sunday, July 13, 2025 also at the chapel.

Funeral service will be held at 2:00 pm Sunday, July 13, 2025 at the chapel with Rev. Clifton Adkins officiating.

In honoring his wishes, he will be cremated following the services.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Collins Funeral Home, Inc. of Switzer, WV.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Collins Funeral Home, Inc. - Switzer

5452 Jerry West Hwy PO Box 307, Switzer, WV 25647

Make a Donation
in Richard Mendez's name

How to support Richard's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Richard Mendez's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more