Neftali L Zendejas

Neftali L. Zendejas (Nef) of Austin, Texas peacefully accepted his reward of everlasting life with our God on August 18, 2023. He was born on February 17, 1929 to Antonio and Otilia Zendejas in Delmar, California. He graduated from Washington High School in Fremont California in June 1947. Nef enlisted in the United States Air Force on February 11, 1948, at only 18 years old, where he proudly served for 22 years.

He retired from the US Air Force January 31, 1969 and settled his family in Austin Texas. He attended Austin Community College and earned a degree in Sociology. Within 5 months of settling in Austin, he joined the Catholic War Veterans Post 1805 (CWV) San Jose Catholic Church, in 1983 he joined the Greater Southwest Optimist Club and in 1989 the Knights of Columbus Fr. Houser Council 10148. He loved these civic organizations and the services they provided to the community. He was most proud of his community service through these organizations. One of his proudest moments was Mothers’ Day, May 9,1976. As Commander of the CWV Post 1805, he led the members in an effort to remember and recognize the sacrifices of all military mothers. A red granite monument was erected that day, along the Town Lake hike and bike trail. The Inscription reads:

Catholic War Veterans Memorial to Mothers of those who have lost sons or daughters in any war.

CATHOLIC WAR VETERANS

SAN JOSE POST 1805

DEDICATED TO THE MOTHERS OF THIS GREAT NATION OF OURS IN REMEMBRANCE OF THEIR SACRIFICE FOR THE LOSS OF A SON OR DAUGHTER IN ANY WAR.

ERECTED ON MOTHER'S DAY MAY 9, 1976

FOR GOD COUNTRY AND HOME

Another outstanding moment was in 1980 when he was honored and received the “Honor Legion of the Order of Saint Sebastian" Award in Las Vegas, NV. This most prestigious Award is not just for faith but for his contributions to his community.

Nef briefly worked for the US Postal Service and served as the Travis County Veterans Service Officer for 18 years. He took a position with the Immigration and Naturalization Service and then retired again. Now he was able to golf any day of the week.

He met the love of his life, Jenara Gaytan (GG) while stationed at Bergstrom AFB, and they married August 13, 1950 at San Jose Catholic Church. Nef and GG were faithful members of San Jose Catholic Church. They loved serving the San Jose Community as well as their civic organizations. The Zendejas family shared many special events together. Their home was full of love, laughter, celebrations, and much happiness. Nef was a devoted husband to his loving wife, GG. They had 4 children, Doris Torres (husband John decd.) Patsy Nieto (husband Frank), Jesse Zendejas (wife Dorothy), and Margaret Zendejas; 9 grandchildren, Angela Carter (husband Michael), Alexis Cline (husband Bren), Mitchell Soliz, Frank Z. Nieto (wife Cassey), Celeste Labrie, Jeffrey Zendejas decd., Elizabeth Simmons (husband Chris), Michael Nieto (wife Helen), Ryan Wills; 16 great grandchildren, Braden Torres (wife Ingrid), AC Labrie, Cameron Labrie, Sloane Labrie, Luna Labrie, Lily Nieto, Thomas Nieto, Christopher Nieto, Victoria Nieto, Sydney Cline, Quinn Cline, Benjamin Soliz, Isabel Soliz, Miguel Soliz, CJ Simmons, and Mackenzie Simmons.

Nef was preceded in death by his mother, Otilia, father, Antonio, wife GG, Brother Tony, and grandson Jeffrey. Nef was a generous man and the center of his family. His words of wisdom, guidance, love and support with no judgment will be greatly missed. He was a witty and confident man who loved to have a house full of his family and friends and lots of food to eat. During these times, he would be asked “daddy, do you want a slice of cherry pie or chocolate cake? – his response, always with a giggle, a resounding “yes”! When he laughed, his whole body laughed and there was a lot of laughter in the Zendejas home. He loved his trips to California to visit and spend time catching up with his sisters and brother. Today, his grandsons wear one of his neckties as a symbol of love and to remember that it is family love and support that tie us together.

A visitation for Neftali will be held Wednesday, August 30, 2023 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Weed Corley Fish Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 2620 South Congress Avenue, Austin, Texas 78704, including The Eulogy and Speakers from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM. A recitation of the holy rosary will occur Wednesday, August 30, 2023 at 7:00 PM, 2620 South Congress Avenue, Austin, Texas 78704. A mass of Christian burial will occur Thursday, August 31, 2023 at 10:00 AM at San Jose Catholic Church, 2435 Oak Crest Avenue, Austin, Texas 78704. A graveside service will occur Thursday, August 31, 2023 at Assumption Cemetery, 3650 S IH 35, Austin, Texas 78704.