Frank Rios Mendez

Frank Rios Mendez, beloved father, grandfather, husband, and friend of Austin, Texas, passed away on May 1, 2026, at the age of 80 years. He was born on March 9, 1946, in Karnes County, Texas, near where he grew up in Smiley, Texas.

Frank worked as an insurance agent and was a long-time proud member of the Steel Workers Union, which led to his time as the City Council representative for District 1 in Corpus Christi, Texas, beginning in 1983. In 1991, Frank and his family moved to Austin, Texas, where he began his career in the Texas General Land Office under the Land Commissioner Gary Mauro. He retired from the State as the Chief Deputy Land Commissioner. After working with the State of Texas, Frank was committed to his non-profit organization alongside his close friend Ezequiel “Kelly” Elizondo, building and concentrating on affordable housing within Texas and the surrounding states.

He was passionate about politics, sports, and especially following the ever-growing lives of his 3 daughters, 4 grandsons, and grand dogs. He was a man whose love was shown not only through words, but through every action he took. Kind, dependable, and endlessly giving, he was the person family and friends could always count on. Whether someone needed help, advice, encouragement, or simply a laugh, he was always there.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Salvador Mendez and Dominga Rios Mendez, his sisters Mary Jane Mendez and Isabel Silva, his brothers Henry Mendez and Salvador Mendez Jr., and his son-in-law Christopher Lee Metting.

He is survived by his loving wife of almost 63 years, Eldora T Mendez, daughters Patricia Ballin, Rachel Metting, and Deborah Mendez-Rendon, his son-in-laws Joseph Ballin and Scott Rendon, and grandsons Jonathon Ballin, Jacob Ballin, Garrett Metting, and Nicolas Metting. Also by his two brothers, Eugene Mendez and David Mendez.

Family and friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Life for Frank R Mendez at Nixon City Hall Community Center, 302 E Central Ave., Nixon, TX 78140, on Saturday, May 23, 2026, from 11 am to 2 pm. Visitation with the family will begin at 11 am at the Nixon City Hall, along with a luncheon.