Gilbert Mendoza

GILBERT MENDOZA went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, September 15, 2009. He was born to Juan and Luisa Mendoza on September 17, 1922 in Luling, Texas.Gilbert served in the Army during WWII, engaged in combat and earned the rank of sergeant. For more than forty years, he made an annual trip to his Army Reunion to be with his close friends who he served with during the war. He married Carrie Benavides and was by her side for forty nine years until her passing on October 26, 1996. He moved his family to Houston in 1963 where he worked for Schlumberger for over 25 years, until his retirement. He was an original member of St. Luke the Evangelist Catholic Church, faithful parishioner, usher and member of the Knights of Columbus for over 20 years. He loved fishing, hunting, sports, rodeos, and his horses along with his often worn boots and hat. He was respectful, responsible, hardworking, generous, helpful and friendly. He touched the lives of numerous people in all walks of life. He was a loyal friend and a very loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. He was loved by many and will be dearly missed by all.He is preceded in death by his loving wife of forty nine years, Carrie Benavides Mendoza; his parents Juan and Luisa Mendoza; brothers Juan and Louis Mendoza and sister, Aurelia Mendoza Trevino. He is survived by one sister Louisa Mendoza Vidaurri and husband Elias; daughters Gloria Mendoza Melchor and husband Richard and Cindy Mendoza Mindiola and husband Tatcho; son John Mendoza; grandchildren Monica Layton and husband Jorge, Gilbert Mindiola, Joshua Benavidez, Erica Mendoza, Payton Polk; four great grandsons Gregory and Michael Layton, Marcus Jr. and Matthew Preston, as well as many nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind many close friends, most notably Weldon and Debbie Vaughn and Greg Boudreaux.The family wishes to convey our sincere appreciation to care givers Martha Ledezma and Marbella Aviles for all the love and compassion they showered on our father and to Anahy and Karla for the special joy their presence brought him. As well, special thanks to Theracare Nursing Agency, especially Chris, Mariam and Debra and to Vitas Hospice, especially Stacey and Patricia for all their help and support.Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 20th, with a Rosary at 6:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Forest Park Lawndale Funeral Home. His Memorial Mass will be Monday, September 21th, at 9:45 a.m. at St. Luke the Evangelist Catholic Church, 11011 Hall Road followed by internment at Houston National Cemetery (VA), 10410 Veterans Memorial Drive.