Esteban Mendoza

Esteban V. Mendoza Sr., 82, of Corpus Christi, Texas, passed away peacefully on December 13, 2024. He was born on April 6, 1942, in Elsa, Hidalgo County, Texas. A proud graduate of West Oso High School, Class of 1961, Esteban lived a life full of devotion to his family, friends, and community.

On September 5, 1962, Esteban married the love of his life, Palmira Torres, with whom he shared 31 wonderful years of marriage.

Esteban began his career with Southwestern Bell, now AT&T, in 1970, where he worked with dedication until his retirement in June 2000. He was a proud member of the Southwestern Bell Pioneers, the AT&T Retirees group, and the monthly phone company retirees’ breakfast club. A devoted member of Our Lady of Pilar Church for decades, Esteban’s faith was a guiding force in his life.

An enthusiastic sports fan, Esteban rooted for the Dallas Cowboys, despite developing a playful "love/hate" relationship with the team in later years. Known to cut his grass during less-than-stellar games, he took such moments in stride with humor. He also enjoyed basketball, particularly before Michael Jordan’s Chicago Bulls dominated the sport, and cherished activities like bowling, fishing, gardening, and playing pool—where he was said to have impressive skills.

Esteban was a staunch supporter of West Oso High School football and basketball—Go Bears!—and valued gatherings with family and friends on both sides of his family. Whether reminiscing about times past with relatives in the Valley or enjoying one-on-one conversations, Esteban treasured these connections deeply.

A man of few words but great thoughtfulness, Esteban was known for his handwritten notes and cards, often underlined or highlighted, always with heartfelt messages, and sometimes a little cash for good measure. Known affectionately as “Pa Bell,” a nickname bestowed by family friend LCJ, he had a wonderful sense of humor and loved telling stories.

Esteban is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Palmira Torres Mendoza; his parents, Francisco and Francisca Mendoza; his siblings, Esther Canales (Juvencio), Pedro Mendoza (Gloria); brothers-in-law Guadalupe Garcia (Elvira) and Chris Cardona (Linda).

He is survived by his children, Esteban Jr. (Steve), Francisca (Frances), and Ricardo (Rick); his grandson Nicolas (Nic); his siblings Erasmo Mendoza (the late Anabel), Elvira Garcia (the late Guadalupe), Linda Cardona, Elva (Mike), Lupe (Gilbert), Jesusa (Juan) and Maria; as well as numerous cherished nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

The family extends a special thank you to Frances for her compassionate care during Esteban’s illness and to Mike Martinez for his unwavering support and strength.

Esteban will be dearly missed but fondly remembered for his kindness, humor, and the love he gave to those around him.

A visitation for Esteban will be held Friday, December 27, 2024 from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM at Funeraria Del Angel, 549 Cheyenne, Corpus Christi, TX 78405. A holy rosary will occur Friday, December 27, 2024 at 7:00 PM. A funeral service will occur Saturday, December 28, 2024 at 10:00 AM at Our Lady of Pilar Catholic Church, 1101 Bloomington St, Corpus Christi, Texas 78416. A burial will occur Saturday, December 28, 2024 at 11:00 AM at Memory Gardens Cemetery, 8200 Old Brownsville Rd, Corpus Christi, TX.