SGT 1st Class Raul Rios Mendez (RET.)

Raul R. Mendez was born on December 10, 1934 in Austin, TX to Abel Mendez, Sr. and Maxine Rios Mendez. Raul entered the Austin Public School system in September 1940 at Zavala Elementary and graduated from Austin High School in 1953. He married Angelina Chavez, his high school sweetheart, on May 21, 1955 and recently celebrated their 61st wedding anniversary. During this marriage, they were blessed with four children. Raul will be remembered, by his children, as an excellent example of what it means to be a devoted husband and father.

Raul was a kind, happy, funny and generous man. He touched the lives of many of his neighbors whom he would often visit with during his early morning walks. He also loved traveling with Angelina to various casinos around the country, often teasing his children upon their return that he had just spent all their inheritance. After retirement, he also enjoyed working in his yard, tending to his plants and fruit trees. He was an avid reader and enjoyed many subjects, but was drawn to Texas and World History. He contributed to several charities, none more special than those for our country’s veterans. He also participated in several community projects in the Austin area.

Raul served his country for 20 years, 9 months and 19 days. One year, active duty, which was served during the last year of the Korean Conflict and remained in service with the Texas National Guard, thereafter, including the time our country was engaged in the Vietnam War. Raul retired with the rank of E-7; SFC.

During his civilian career, he faithfully served his employer, Harry Joseph, from March 1957 until Mr. Joseph’s passing, as Corporate Vice President of Centennial Package Stores. Following the passing of Mr. Joseph, Raul remained to operate the Corporation for the Estate until his retirement in July of 1999.

Raul is survived by his wife, Angelina; his son, Rolando Mendez of Austin, TX; daughter, Angelica and her husband Mark R. Johnson of Lago Vista, TX; son Armando Mendez and his wife Andrea of Austin, TX; grandchildren, Chad E. Huff, Daniella and Mario Mendez and great-granddaughter Breanna Heinzke-Huff . Also, survived by one brother and five sisters, along with many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his infant daughter, Monica Mendez; parents, Abel and Maxine R. Mendez and brother Abel R. Mendez, Jr.

Visitation with the family from four o’clock until five o’clock in the evening, on Monday, the 4th of July 2016, at Cook-Walden Funeral Home, 6100 North Lamar Boulevard, Austin, Texas. Praying of the Rosary begins at five o’clock.

Funeral mass will be conducted at ten o’clock in the morning on Tuesday, the 5th of July 2016, at St. Louis Catholic Church, 7601 Burnet Rd, Austin, Texas. Interment will follow in Assumption Cemetery, Austin, TX.

To share condolence with the family, please visit www.cookwaldenfuneralhome.com.