Jose "Henry" Enrique Mendez

Jose Enrique Mendez Retired Captain, 79, beloved husband, father, brother, and grandfather left to be with the Lord our Savior on February 28, 2011. He passed away peacefully at MD Anderson in Houston, Texas surrounded by his family who loved him dearly.

Psalm 23: The Lord is my Shepherd there is nothing I shall not want. In verdant pastures he gives me repose beside restful waters he leads me he refreshes my soul. He guides me in right paths for His names sake. Even though I walk in the dark valley I fear no evil for you are at my side with your rod and your staff that give me courage. You spread the table before me in the sight of my foes You anoint my head with oil my cup overflows. Only goodness and kindness will follow me all the days of my life and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord for years to come.

Henry, as he was endearingly known to his family and friends, was born and was a lifelong native of Brownsville and lived his life pursuing what he enjoyed. He served as a Corporal in the U.S. Army, where he fought in the Korean War and was assigned to 103 Engineer C Battalion service unit and worked as a heavy vehicle driver and later discharged with honors. He then married his wife Maria Rosario Mendez on June 18, 1956, started a family and proudly raised 5 children. His hobby of fixing electronics led him to open and operate his own television repair shop, Mendez T.V. Repair.

He was also employed with the City of Brownsville for 40 years, where he proudly worked for the Brownsville Fire Department retiring as Captain. Upon retiring, he enjoyed spending his time gardening, where he proudly showcased exotic plants, such as his popular Bonzai trees. He enjoyed spending time with his family, from bank fishing with his kids in his younger years, to spending time in his backyard with his grandchildren. Henry was also a faithful parishioner at St. Lukes Catholic Church, serving as an usher for many years.

He is preceded in death by his parents Jose Mendez and Isabel C. Ramirez and his brothers, John Joe Mendez and Elijio C. Mendez.

Left to cherish his tender memories are his loving wife of 55 years, Maria Rosario Mendez and his children Carlos E. Guadalupe Mendez, Jorge Thao Mendez,, Martha Tony Morgan, Juan Jose Mendez, and Javier Leticia Mendez as well as his grand children, Carlos Jr., Joseph Eric, and Emily Mendez Kyleen, Jorge E., Christian, and Julian Mendez Christina Lynn Mayorga and Michael Morgan Jayden A. and Javier Mendez Jr., and five greatgrandchildren. Also surviving are his brothers, Guillermo, and Roberto, and three sisters, Gloria Reedy, Margaret Flannigan, and Josephine Wilson, numerous nieces and nephews and extended family members.

His wife and family would like to express a special thank you to the Doctors, Nurses and staff at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston for their care and patience.

Honey, Dad, Grandpa we will deeply miss you, you were an inspiration and we are all proud of you. You have provided for us, guided us, and sternly taught us right from wrong and true value in life. You will be missed, never forgotten, and always loved. We love you.

Visitation will begin at 5:00 p.m. and continue through 9:00 p.m. with the recitation of the holy rosary at 7:00 p.m. Monday, March 7, 2011 in the East Chapel at DarlingMouser Funeral Home. Visitation will resume on Tuesday, March 8th at 11:00 a.m. at DarlingMouser. The Mass of Christian Resurrection will be at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 8, 2011 at St. Lukes Catholic Church. The entombment of Mr. Mendezs cremains will follow in the Mausoleum at Buena Vista Burial Park. Military honors will be provided by the American Legion Post 43 Funeral Honor Guard under the direction of Commander Raul Leal.

Henrys 4 sons: Carlos Enrique, Jorge, Juan Jose, and Javier Mendez and his soninlaw, Tony Morgan will serve as honorary pallbearers.

In lieu of flowers the Mendez Family requests any monetary donations to be made to St. Lukes Catholic Church in Brownsville.

Visitation

DarlingMouser Funeral Home
945 Palm Blvd.
Brownsville, TX  78520
Monday, March 7, 2011
5 to 9 P.M.

Service

Rosary

DarlingMouser Funeral Home
945 Palm Blvd.
Brownsville, TX  78520
Monday, March 7, 2011
7 p.m.

Mass of Christian Resurrection

St. Luke
2800 Rockwell
Brownsville, TX  78521
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
7 p.m.

Cemetery

Buena Vista Burial Park
5 McDavitt Blvd.
Brownsville, TX  78521

Memorial Contributions

2800 Rockwell Drive
Brownsville, TX  78521