Fernando J. Mendez

FERNANDO J. MENDEZ

March 13, 1932 – January 3, 2025

Fernando J. Mendez, 92, joined our Lord in His heavenly kingdom on Friday, January 3, 2025. 

Fernando proudly served in the U.S Army, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to his country and community. After his service, he found joy in tending to his garden, earning a reputation as the one with the greenest thumb. His flowers and plants were a reflection of his nurturing spirit, bringing beauty and warmth to those who were fortunate enough to visit his home.

As a father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Fernando was a beacon of love and support, always there to cheer on his family with a twinkle in his eye and a guitar in his hand. Filling the hearts of his loved ones with the sweet sounds of his guitar. And if there was music in the air, there was also dancing—Fernando was known for his infectious energy and joyful moves on the dance floor.

A true sports enthusiast, he found great pleasure in watching baseball and football games, passionately rooting for his favorite teams while sharing the experience with family and friends. Fernando’s stories, filled with laughter and life's lessons, will resonate in the hearts of all who knew him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Fernando Mendez and Carmen Mendez; grandson, Jason Kory Wilburn; sisters, Olga Flores and Mary Gutierrez; niece, Melissa Gutierrez; nephew, Eddie McCoy.

Left to cherish his memory are his children; Carmen Sultan, Rosario B. Holmen, Fernando Jesus (Allicia) Mendez II, Sonia Alejandra (Raul) Garza III, Marco Antonio (Adriana) Lozano, and Ashley Nicole Ramirez (Adrian Rodriguez); 18 grandchildren, numerous great-grandchildren; sister, Guadalupe “Cupi” McCoy; mother of his children as well as other relatives, and friends.

The family will be receiving condolences on Wednesday evening, January 8, 2025 from 5 to 9 p.m. at Joe Jackson North Funeral Chapels & Cremation Services, 1410 Jacaman Rd.; where a Vigil for the Deceased and Rosary will commence at 7 p.m.

Funeral Services will be conducted on Thursday morning, January 9, 2025 departing at 8:30 a.m. from Joe Jackson North Funeral Chapels to Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church for a Mass of Christian Burial at 9 a.m. 

Military Honors will be provided by the U.S. Army and the Laredo Veterans Honor Guard. 

Rite of Committal and Interment will follow at the Veterans Section of the Laredo City Cemetery 

You may express your condolences, share your favorite memories, and sign the guestbook online at: www.joejacksonfuneralchapels.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care and direction of the funeral service professionals at Joe Jackson North Funeral Chapels & Cremation Services, 1410 Jacaman Rd., Laredo, Texas 78041; (956)722-8850.