Gabriel Joseph Mendez, 24 years of Bryan, passed away Sunday, November 1, 2026, surrounded by his loving family at Parkview Regional Medical Center, Fort Wayne, Indiana. Gabe was born on August 30, 2002, in Defiance, Ohio, the son of Gabriel Michael Paul Mendez and Jennifer Marie Hauser. He was a 2020 graduate of Bryan High School. Gabe was an artistic and talented tattoo artist, working his craft for the past 8 years. Being very artistic, Gabe loved to play music, whether it be his guitar or another instrument. He enjoyed being outdoors, hunting, fishing, and kayaking. He was known to be an excellent cook, and to unwind, he would play video games.

Surviving is his mother, Jennifer M. Hauser of Bryan; three siblings, Kayleigh Mendez, Caleb Mora of New York, New York and Dru Mendez of Dayton, Ohio; grandparents, Rhonda Hauser of Defiance, Pamela Barrera of Bryan and David (Connie) Mendez of Ney; companion, Liana Fisher of Bryan, along with many aunts, uncles and cousins. He was preceded in death by his father, Gabriel Michael Paul Mendez; and two grandparents, Daniel Hauser and Juan Barrera.

Memorial services for Gabriel Joseph Mendez will be held at 4:00 p.m. Thursday, November 12, 2026, at Oberlin-Turnbull Funeral Home, 206 North Lynn Street, Bryan, with Celebrant Patricia Peter officiating. The family will receive relatives and friends two hours prior to the service on Thursday in the funeral home, beginning at 2:00 p.m. Interment will be private.

The family has requested that those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider memorial contributions be made to his family to assist with expenses.

Condolences may be sent to the family, or memories may be shared at www.oberlinturnbull.com