Miguel Duran Mendez, 98, went to be with our lord on Sunday, March 26, 2017 surrounded by his loving family. Miguel was born on May 8, 1918 to Lalislado and Estefana Mendez in Aguas Calientes, Mexico. He volunteered to serve in the United States Army in 1942 in WWII. He trained as a paratrooper in the 101st Airborne Division Screaming Eagles. He then started his career as a meat cutter then later retired with HEB after 20 plus years. He enjoyed fishing with his late brother (Benny)and family and the love of his garden while growing orchids and plumerias. He was also a life member of the VFW and the American Legion. He is preceded in death by his daughter, Margaret Mclendon (Michael). He is survived by Mary Cervantes Mendez (wife), Diane (Joe) Montoya (daughter), his granddaughters Stephanie Montoya and Christina Burden (Michael), and Sierra, James, Margherita Diane (great-grandchildren). A visitation will be held on Wednesday March 29, 2017 at 5 p.m. with a Holy Rosary to be recited at 7 p.m. A burial will be held on Thursday March 30, 2017 at the Coastal Bend State Veteran Cemetery at 10 a.m.