Daniel Mendez Sr.

Daniel S. Mendez, 89, of Odessa, formerly of Miles, passed away Thursday, March 1, 2018, in Odessa surrounded by loved ones. Rosary services will be 5:00 PM Sunday, March 4, 2018 at Robert Massie Riverside Chapel and Mass will celebrated 10:00 AM Monday, March 5, 2018, at St. Thomas Catholic Church in Miles with the Rev. Francis Njoku, of St. Mary Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Brownwood, officiating. Arrangement are by Robert Massie Funeral Home in San Angelo. Mr. Mendez was born on April 20, 1928 in Bronte to Antonio Mendez, Sr. and Manuela Samaniego. Daniel married the love of his life, Guadalupe Huizar Martinez, on March 27, 1948. To this union nine sons and two daughters were born. Daniel and Guadalupe would have celebrated 63 years of marriage before her passing on July 3, 2011. Daniel has been a resident of Mertzon, McCamey, Barnhart, Big Lake, Miles, and the last three years in Odessa. He always made life-long friends everywhere he called home. Daniel was a faithful husband, loving son and brother, Father, Grandfather, Great Grandfather, Great Great Grandfather, friend to all and uncle and cousin to many. He was a very humble and hard-working man. He loved his church. As a devout Catholic, he served as a Lector, Eucharistic Minister, Cursillista, and Lay Franciscan. Daniel's most cherished involvement was with the Secular Franciscan Order in the Catholic Church. His desire was that when he was called home he wanted to be wearing the Franciscan frock, his wish is being honored. He also served his community as a City Councilman in Big Lake and Miles. Daniel's love of music led him to become a "self-taught" guitarist at the age of 70; he also worked as a radio DJ and owned a record shop for many years. Daniel is preceded in death by an infant son, Edmundo Mendez; parents, Antonio Mendez, Sr. and Manuela S. Mendez, siblings, Antonio Mendez, Jr., Federico Mendez, Sr., David Mendez, Sr., Beatrice M. Galindo, Ester M. Martinez and Genoveva M. Flores. Survivors include his sole surviving sister, Consuelo M. Casarez and husband Victor of Miles, Tx.; his children, Hector Mendez and wife Rosa of Odessa, Daniel Mendez, Jr. of Midland, Fernando Mendez of Midland, Mitchell Mendez and wife Dianna of Midland, Ed Mendez and wife Cindy of Midland, David Mendez of Miles, Gabriel Mendez and wife Leann of Miles, Veronica Martinez of San Angelo, Ernestina Mendez-Dotson and husband Michael of San Angelo and Adrian Mendez and wife Clara of Austin, grandchildren, Amanda, Toni, Hector, Kristina, John Paul, Danny, Eric, Alexis, Adrian, Andrew, Marcie, Monica, Mario, Valerie, Stephanie, Jeremy, Desiree, Michael, Mark, Felice, Christopher, Dylan, Nathan, Willie, Bianca, Daniela, Bernadette, Beatrice, Taylor, Jude, Luke, Arthur, Ashley, Vincent, Mireya and Lorenzo; 35 great grandchildren and five great-great grandchildren. Daniel's family wishes to thank friends and family for their support and prayers, Star Care of Odessa, Dr. Chittur Ramanathan, Dr. Axel Martinez, Rosa Maynanez, Lally Martinez, Mary Rubio, Delma Menchaca, the late Mary Ann Sauer, Fr. Francis and Fr. Bernardito for their loving care of our Father. Memorials may be made to: Secular Fraternity, 7682 Ravin Road, San Angelo, Texas 76901 of the Carmelite Sisters of Our Lady of Grace Monastery, 6202 CR 339, Christoval, Texas 76933-3023