Damian Isaac Mendez life began April 8, 2004, in Dodge City, Kansas. He tragically passed on July 3rd, 2022, due to complications with heat stroke. He began his education at Linn Elementary School. At the young age of 6, he developed an interest in wrestling that later turned into a passion. He started his wrestling journey with the Dodge City Wranglers. Damian competed in all types of wrestling, folk style, free style, and greco. He had dreams of being a NCAA National Champion. His pursuit towards a goal of becoming a professional MMA athlete and Olympic Gold Medalist was his next adventure. Damian continued his wrestling career at Dodge City High, where he was a three time state champion. He graduated in May of 2022 and had signed a letter of intent to wrestle at North Dakota State University.
Damian was a hard working individual. He knew he had to put in the time and dedication to achieve his goals. This determination led him to a NHSCA National Championship and multiple All-American titles. Damian currently holds the Kansas record for most takedowns in a season. He used wrestling to impact the lives of anyone he came into contact with. His passion, smile and joy were contagious. He was an inspiration to his brothers, teammates and friends.
He is survived by his parents, Sabas and Lizette of Dodge City; two brothers, Armando and Adriel Garcia of Dodge City; grandparents, Leticia Flores of Dodge City, Armando Garcia, Elva Espino, and Jose Leos Ruvalcaba all of Mexico; aunts and uncles, Michelle Naumann of Greensburg, Vanessa Olvera of Dodge City, Daisy Flores-Leos of Dodge City; Alexis “Bibi” Leos of Garden City, Gerardo and Adriana Garcia of Garden City, Maria Garcia and Cesar Hermosillo, Marcela Garcia and Eder Aleman, and Karla Garcia all of Mexico. Damian is preceded in death by his grandfather, Reyes Mendez and an aunt, Consuelo Garcia.
Funeral service will be held at the Dodge City Civic Center on Friday, July 15, 2022 at 2:00 PM with Mr. Jeff Hiers presiding. Burial will follow at Maple Grove Cemetery in Dodge City. Celebration of life will follow at Silver Spur in Dodge City at 6 PM. Visitation will be at Swaim Funeral Chapel, Dodge City on Thursday, July 14, 2022 from 3:00 – 6:00 PM. The casket will remain closed.
Memorials are suggested to the Damian Mendez Memorial Scholarship Fund in care of the funeral home. Thoughts and memories may be shared in the online guest book at www.swaimfuneralhome.com.