Darel Lee Mendel of Aurora, Indiana, passed away on Thursday, November 5, 2026, at his residence, surrounded by his loving family.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Norman and Agnes (née Brown) Mendel, and his loving wife, Joyce (née Watson) Mendel.
He is survived by his daughter, April Carpenter, and his beloved grandsons, Joseph Carpenter and Joshua Carpenter, who lovingly knew him as Papaw.
Darel was a proud member of the National Rifle Association (NRA).
Visitation will be held on Thursday at Rullman Hunger Funeral Home, 219 Mechanic Street, Aurora, Indiana, from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service at 1:00 p.m.
Burial will follow at Riverview Cemetery, where military honors will be performed.
The family requests that memorial donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Darel’s memory.