Nat Mendoza

Nat Mendoza, loving husband and father went to our Lord on May 17, 2024 at his home, surrounded by his loving family.

Nat was born in Pharr, Texas to Florencio and Anita Contreras Mendoza on December 1932.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Florencio and Anita Mendoza, brothers Narciso and Marcos Mendoza, sisters Julia Zepeda, Maria Consuelo Infante, and Esperanza Maria Salazar.

He served honorably in the United States Air Force, from May 1951 through July 1971. He was assigned to Eielson AFB Alaska, James Connally AFB, Waco, TX, United States Embassy, Bogota, Columbia, Albrook AFB Canal Zone, Panama, Wurtsmith AFB, MI, and United States Embassy in Mexico City, Mexico. He was awarded the Joint Service Commendation Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, Air Force Good Conduct Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and the Air Force Longevity Service Award. After he retired from the Air Force, he moved his family to San Antonio, Texas.  He did a short stint working for the City of San Antonio.  In 1974, he then moved over to work at Ft Sam Houston where he received numerous kudos.  He was awarded the Department of the Army Achievement Medal for Civilian Service and the Commander’s Award for Civilian Service.

He had many interests and hobbies, one being an avid coin collector.  He loved going to church at St. John Neuman Catholic Church.  He enjoyed being outside gardening with his true love Dora.  

Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 71 years, Dora Castillo Mendoza; his 3 children, Vivian (David Argenbright), Adam (Barbara Campbell); Alice (Reggie Maxwell); 5 Grandchildren; Edward (Laura) Chagoy, Chrissy Mendoza (Sergio), Kevin Mendoza (Rachel), Rebecca Rivas, Adam A Mendoza; Great Grandchildren Cameron Cortez, Luke Chagoy; Nicolas and Gabriella Cruz; Nathaniel (Elizabeth) Mendoza, Selena Grace Mendoza; Adrian, Aaron, Amalia Rivas. Great-Great Grandson Nathaniel Mendoza Jr and Great-Great Granddaughters Sofia De La Cerda and Maliah Marisa Mendoza.

On May 28^th a visitation will be held at Chapel Hill Funeral Home 6:00 – 7:00 pm and Rosary 7:00 – 8:00 pm.  On May 29^th there will be a mass at St John Neumann Catholic Church at 11:30, following burial at Fort Sam Houston Cemetery.