John Mendez Obituary
John (Little John) Mendez, 78, of Baird, Texas, passed away on Thursday December 7th, 2023 after a lengthy battle with cancer. Funeral services will be 2:00pm Sunday December 10, 2023 at Parker-Jacobs Funeral Home in Baird. Burial will follow at Ross Cemetery Annex in Baird. Pallbearers will be Adam Thompson, Rode Hargrove, Harley Bowen, Cody Lawson, AJ Mendez, and Roman Mendez.
John was born June 12, 1945 in Burnet, Texas to Andrew and Dominga (Bustamante) Mendez. After graduating from McMurry University with an Associate's Degree, John worked for Red Adair before owning and operating Mendez Concrete for many years in the Big Country area. John enjoyed playing baseball in his younger years, hunting, and always entertaining those around him. John was a talented musician, along with many of his family members, and they spent most weekends playing in a band together. John met the love of his life Jackie Smith at an early age. Through up and down, thin or flush, for 60 years they never left each other's side. John and wife Jackie were every kid's favorite parents. They were the ear that heard their stories, helped them to stay out of trouble, provided a safe place to stay when needed, and John was always ready to play football any time they asked. In his later years, John gave his life to Christ and helped lead many troubled men to salvation. He was the spiritual leader of his family and always seemed liked he had a direct line to God when providing advice. The only thing bigger than his larger-than-life personality was his love for his family and he will be greatly missed.
Those left to cherish his memories are his wife Jackie Mendez of Baird, Texas, son John Mendez Jr. of Baird, Texas, daughter Deon Lawson and husband Chuck of Abilene, Texas, daughter Shannon Smith and husband David of Abilene, Texas; his siblings Antonio Rios of San Antonio, Texas, and sister Delores Keith of Baird, Texas; 8 grandchildren Adam Thompson and wife Hali of Tuscola, Texas, Summer Hargrove of Clyde, Texas, Rode Hargrove and wife Taylor of Baird, Texas, John Mendez III and wife Melissa of Waco, Texas, Blake Mendez and wife Riley of Burleson, Texas, Dakota Mendez of Abilene, Texas, Roman Mendez of Baird, Texas, and Cody Lawson wife Tristan of Abilene, Texas.; 9 great-grandchildren Caiden and Callen Thompson, Braylee English, John Michael and Maverick Mendez, Camryn Mendez, Branson, Avery, and Carson Shackelford.
John is preceded in death by his parents, brothers Andrew (Andy), Alfredo (Fred), and Sipriano (Sepy) Mendez, sister Delfina Sanchez, niece Vickie Mendez, nephews Brian Smith, Freddy Mendez, Phillip Mendez Jr, Sipriano Mendez Jr, and Lance Corporal Miguel Keith (posthumous Medal of Honor Recipient).
God is in my heart and in your heart too – John Mendez ~. In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials be made to New Horizons for children in need.
