Jose Mendez was born in San Antonio, TX on April 6, 1932, to Juan Hernandez Mendez and Antonia Garcia. He passed peacefully into the arms of Jesus on September 16, 2024, surrounded by his loving wife, children, sister and niece.

Jose is survived by his beloved wife of 68 years, Olga Cerillo Mendez and his children Roy Mendez and his wife Martha, Rose Mary Hernandez and her husband Armando, Jose Manuel Mendez and his wife Christine, Frances Traspena and her husband Dean, his sister Lidia Mendez Smith and her husband Bradley, 16 grandchildren, 23 great grandchildren and 2 great, great grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents Juan and Antonia Mendez, his son Waldo Mendez, his granddaughter, Ashlee Nicole Traspena and 6 brothers and sisters.

Jose served 2 years in the United States Army and 8 years in the United States Air Force Reserves where he served abroad in the Korean War. He spent the remainder of his career as a civil service employee at Kelly Air Force Base until his retirement in 1986. For fun he enjoyed camping, gardening and working on his lawn on the weekends, and fixing any issues that arose with his car or home. Jose was an all around great handyman. Although Jose often came across as a stoic or serious person, he was always kind, humorous, and enjoyed having a good time with those close to him.

Ceremonies
The celebration of life for Jose Mendez will begin with a visitation on Sunday, September 29, 2024 at Castillo Funeral Home Chapel at 520 N. General McMullen, San Antonio TX 78228 from 4pm to 8pm with a prayer service beginning at  6pm. He will be laid to rest on Monday, September 30th with a departure from the funeral home at 10:15am. The graveside service will be at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery at 11am ETA Shelter #2.

Contributions
In leiu of flowers, a donation may be made to servantsheartleadership.com .