Oakley Aaron Mendez

Oakley Aaron Mendez, age 12, of Scottsbluff, Nebraska, passed away Tuesday, October 28, 2025, at Children’s Hospital Colorado in Aurora, Colorado. His Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m., Friday, November 14, 2025, at Christ the King Catholic Church in Gering, Nebraska, with Fr. Todd Philipsen as Celebrant. Interment will follow at West Lawn Cemetery in Gering. Visitation will take place from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., Thursday, November 13, 2025, at Reverence Funeral Parlor in Scottsbluff. Memorials may be made in lieu of flowers, to Project Alive in Oakley’s honor. A donation link is being created that will soon be available. If you’d like to make an in-person donation in memory of Oakley, an account is being set-up at Meridian Federal Trust in Scottsbluff. The service will be livestreamed and recorded to Oakley’s obituary page viewable at www.reverencefuneralparlor.com.

Oakley was born July 11, 2013, to Antonio and Julie (Kelley) Mendez in Casper, Wyoming. From the very beginning, he was a bright, fun-loving boy with an instantly captivating personality. He left a lasting impression on every person who was lucky enough to meet him, even one time. He was the center of attention, and happy about it. Oakley was an entertainer. He had great comedic timing, and always knew how to push your buttons in a fun and loving way. The more he loved you, the more he would poke fun. Oakley probably holds a record for the most inside jokes for one person, with the most people. Anyone who met Oakley has a funny story with him that they’ll never forget.

Oakley was not only loved, but he also loved others deeply. The strongest of his love was shared with his brothers, who were his heroes and his soul mates. He and his youngest brother, Luke, were joined at the hip. They were best friends and partners-in-crime and were always looking forward to the next “racing days” at the 92 Raceway. They were constantly together and miserable when apart. His older brothers married, and brought nieces into the mix, and he adored being “Uncle Oakley”. He knew when to be tender and always gave the new babies gentle hugs and kisses. Oakley loved his school family every bit as much. By the time he started school at Westmoor Elementary in Scottsbluff, he made fast friends with kids from all grades. He was the only kindergartener with 5th-grade girls walking him to lunch. He quickly gained the love of all “his girls” (his teachers), always last-naming them, and wanting to take them flowers. As for the male teachers, he was always up for a game of basketball! That was his first big love. He was so incredibly lucky to have all the students and staff love him, and he made many life-lasting bonds. We will always be thankful to our Westmoor family!

Oakley had many passions, and too many one-liners to count. His favorite color was red, and he was well known for his iconic red glasses. He loved basketball from the get-go because of his older brother, “Bubba” and the two of them shared a love for “bron james” and the Lakers. He loved bowling and Hot Wheels, monster trucks (especially Grave Digger), and the Jurassic Park series. He would bounce with excitement when the T-Rex showed up for the fight! He had other excellent tastes, like choosing Ironman, notably the best of the Marvel heroes, Bumblebee, and Optimus Prime. He liked “spicy chips” from Qdoba, chicken-fried steak from Prime Cut “root beer-place”, and could never get enough Texas Roadhouse rolls, “peanut place”, and was always on the lookout for a way to bribe you for some donuts or a cherry Pepsi. He liked fast cars, red cars, and desperately wanted a Lamborghini. He loved music and dancing and was always the life of the party. If you asked him, every day was his birthday!

Oakley will forever be missed by his parents; brothers, Kaleb (Jenah) Julian, Adam Julian, Luke Elliott Mendez, and Jacob (Stefany) Mendez; four beautiful nieces, Aubriel, Saylor, Aurora, and Esme who he just loved so much; as well as his grandpa, Antonio Mendez Sr.; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

He was predeceased by his immediate grandparents, Cathy Maria Mendez, and Lyle and Delores Kelley.

In honor of Oakley, all guests are invited to wear his favorite color, red, purple to show support for MPS awareness, anything basketball-related, or simply come as you are.