A native of Idalou, Texas, Johnny lived much of his life in El Paso, Texas. As one of nine children, he spent his childhood playing baseball and football, racing and fixing cars, and he liked playing pool.
After graduating high school, Johnny enlisted in the U.S. Army, where he served for 21 years. He was deployed overseas many times, including in Honduras, Germany, and Saudi Arabia. Johnny was eminently proud of his military service – rightfully so – and completed multiple dangerous deployments in active conflict zones. He achieved the rank of Sergeant and earned several honors, including the Valorous Unit Award and the Army Commendation Medal. After 21 years of service, Johnny retired from the U.S. Army and then settled in El Paso. He then went on to work for the El Paso County Jail Annex, where he served as a Corrections Officer for nearly two decades.
Those who knew him can attest that Johnny was a hard worker and preeminent provider, but he also made time for his family, friends, and interests. He enjoyed barbecuing, watching Dallas Cowboys games, and listening to live music. He was a mechanic, par excellence, and developed a reputation among his family and friends as someone who could fix anything. Ever a fan of the outdoors, Johnny enjoyed quiet nights in front of a fire pit, good laughs after church softball games, and long drives across the country on family vacations.
He is survived by Teresa Ayala, sons, (Johnny Jr., Jonathan, and Kristian), daughters (Martha, Katherine, and Joanna) and grandchildren (Annabella, Emmett, Olivia, and Inez). He is also survived by his sisters (Vera, Helen, and Rachel), brothers (Joe Jr. and Luis), and many nieces/nephews and friends. He is predeceased by his late wife, Luz Beatriz, his mother, Jessie Mendez, his father, Joe Mendez Sr., and brothers, Domingo, Martin, and Thomas.
He will be dearly missed.
The family wishes to thank the staff of William Beaumont Hospital and the VA foster home, run by Gabriela Pellón, for their special care.
A visitation for Johnny will be held Thursday, May 14, 2026 from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm with a rosary at 2:00 pm at Funeraria del Angel Restlawn Funeral Home, 8817 Dyer, El Paso, TX 79904.
Graveside Service will follow at 3:00 pm at Fort Bliss National Cemetery, 5200 Fred Wilson Ave, El Paso, TX 79906, on May 14, 2026.
