Earl J. Mendel Jr.

Earl J. Mendel, Jr., 83, of Robert, Louisiana entered into rest on April 6, 2026 at North Oaks Medical Center in Hammond. Born on September 26, 1942 in New Orleans, Louisiana, he was the beloved second child of the late Earl J. & Evelyn Champagne Mendel. 

At 18, Earl enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and served across the Pacific, primarily in Guam. His time in the military would be a source of pride throughout his life. Upon his return he began building a 30 year career as a New Orleans Fire‐fighter. Regarded as a talented metalworker, E.J. was selected in the 1970’s to fabricate and assemble several of the large features in Al Copeland’s yearly Christmas display. E.J., or “Spoon”, was an avid hunter and fisherman, often sharing his love of the outdoors with fellow firefighters and family. He loved the Saints, LSU and the underdog. E.J. was kind and funny, but ferocious in defense of his family or what he thought was right. His last 10 years were dedicated solely to the care of his treasured Carol, never leaving her side as she suffered dementia. 

He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Carol Fryer Mendel and their three children: Donna Warren (Jessie), Earl J. Mendel, III (Pamela) and Jeffery Mendel (Rosemary); sister Jeanette Gusler; grandchildren: Lori Mullins (Matthew), Devin Warren (Arianna), Courtney Mendel, Gary Rousseau, Irene Rousseau, Tucker Loftis and Rex Mendel; great-grand children: Evelyn, Dani and Cayden; Bryndin, Austin and Hudson; Lilianna and Ella; a chosen son Henry J. Knoll, Jr. (Susan); cousins and many loving nieces, nephews and friends. 

He is preceded in death by his parents Earl and Evelyn Mendel and older sister Betty Fontaine. 

A Celebration of Life will be announced once details have been finalized. In lieu of flowers, the family would suggest donations to any veteran's advocacy organizations or children's hospital.