Steven Dean Mendell
September 28, 1969 ~ August 6, 2025
Steven Dean Mendell, 56, of Gordonville, Texas, was called to his eternal home on Wednesday, August 6, 2025.
Steve was born on June 28, 1969 in Midwest City, Oklahoma to Dean Hugh and Janis Lynn (Murdock) Mendell. He was a proud graduate of Del City High School; he received his bachelor’s degree at the University of Houston and his master’s degree from the University of Texas Arlington. He worked for BNSF railroad. On July 22, 1995 he married Mary Raines in Katy, Texas and together they raised two sons. Steve enjoyed being outdoors, riding motorcycles, boating, golfing, and camping. He enjoyed watching football and cheering on his Dallas Cowboys and Oklahoma Sooners. But family time was his favorite pass time, spending time with Mary and his sons, Grant and Mason, those were the times he cherished the most.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Mary Mendell of Gordonville; son, Grant Mendell of Grapevine; and Mason Mendell of Little Rock, Ark.; sister, Donna Lamb of Breaux Bridge, LA.; nephew, Tyler Kelly and niece, Brianna Sheets; as well as all his family in Oklahoma City.
Steve was preceded in death by his father, Dean Mendell, and his mother, Janis Welchel.




My deepest condolences to the Mendell family. It was a pleasure working with Steve at BNSF. Prayers of peace and comfort.
I worked with Steve at BNSF back when he was on the Engineering team. Prayers to the family. I am so sorry for your loss, and I’m sending you my deepest sympathy. May you find strength and peace in the love and support of those around you. Thinking of you and your family during this time of sorrow. May cherished memories of your loved one bring you comfort and solace. Wishing you peace and healing as you navigate this loss. – With Love Angela Jones-Smith
From my very first day at BNSF—when Steve sat in the cubicle right in front of me—to my last day, when we shared office space as managers across from each other, he was a true friend. I could always depend on him for the right answer, a word of encouragement, and a calming presence when things got tough.
Steve was more than a coworker—he was my friend, my brother. He supported me, cheered me on, and together we were the best working combo for the Engineering team. He often bragged about his family, and through his words, I knew how deeply he loved them.
My heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time. Steve will be dearly missed but forever remembered.
—Felisha Washington
From my very first day at BNSF—when Steve sat in the cubicle in front of me—to my last day, when we shared office space as managers across from each other, he was a true friend. I could always count on him for the right answer, encouragement, and a calming presence.
Steve was more than a coworker—he was my friend, my brother. He loved his family deeply and spoke of them often.
My heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with his family. Steve will be dearly missed but forever remembered.
Hurts my heart. The kind of guy that everytime we crossed paths at work, you took the time to chat. It was easy, friendly conversation with someone you knew was on your side. May peace surround those who knew him best.
I have known Steve for the past 20 years and had the privilege of working closely with him over the last 5. He had an infectious smile that could brighten anyone’s day. At work, he would often stop by my desk whenever he wanted to chat—whether about business or just for a friendly conversation. I will deeply miss our one-on-one discussions, especially over the past 5 months since he became my manager. My heartfelt condolences to the Mendell family on his untimely passing. May his soul rest in eternal peace.
I had the privilege of meeting and getting to know Steve while travelling down from Canada to meet with Steve and his team at BNSF. He was such an enjoyable person to get to know, and we especially enjoyed the time spent discussing his approach to Asset Management problems with an eye for how we might apply the experience and hard learned lessons in our future endeavors. And through him we were able to experience some Texas BBQ and what a good Texas steak is, and realize we have nothing like it where we live! My sincere condolences to his family on his sudden passing, he will be sadly missed.