Arturo C. Mendez passed away surrounded by his family on April 22, 2019 at the age of 73.
He was born in Kingsville, Texas on August 07, 1945 to the late Petra and Antonio Mendez, Sr.
A beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin, friend and American Patriot.
Arturo devoted his life to his family and his faith. As a child he assisted his local church as an altar server. As he grew older he answered his call to service; joining the United States Army in late 1965. He was a proud Vietnam veteran who received a Purple Heart Medal. After his service, he would return home to enter the bond of marriage and begin a family of his own. On April 3, 1968, two hearts would become one; introducing Mr. and Mrs. Arturo and Gloria Mendez. From this holy matrimony, they would bring to life 3 children; Leticia, Angie, and Arturo. As time continued, he was blessed with 3 grandchildren; Gillian, Arabella, and JR. He expressed everyday of his life, that one of his greatest joys were his children and grandchildren; they all brought him so much pride and happiness. He taught each of them to have a firm faith in God, to be strong, loyal, independent and caring. Although the memories he blessed us with will live in our hearts forever, he will be greatly missed.
He joins in heaven, both of his parents; a son who passed a few short days after birth, Arturo, Jr and brothers: Antonio Mendez, Jr., Roland Mendez and Roy Mendez.
Arturo leaves behind, to cherish his memories, devoted wife of 51 years Gloria Saenz Mendez; children: Leticia Mendez, Angie Mendez, Arturo A. Mendez; grandchildren: Gillian Gomez, Arabella Mendez, Arturo Antonio Mendez, Jr.; siblings: Enriqueta Puente, Olga Cooner, Henry Mendez; numerous nieces, nephews, and cousin whom he loved dearly.
Public Visitation will be held from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday, April 25 at Guardian Funeral Home, with a Prayer Service to begin at 7 p.m. that evening. A brief Funeral Service will begin at 12 p.m. (noon) Friday, April 26 at Guardian Funeral Home followed by Burial with Full Military Honors at the Coastal Bend State Veterans Cemetery at 1 p.m.
All services will be officiated by Dr. Reverend Ismael Briones of Bethany Christian Church.