Willie Mendez Jr.

Funeral Services are under the direction of Buffington Funeral Home in Gonzales, Texas and will be celebrated on Friday, August 15, 2014 at 2:00 pm at Buffington Funeral Home Chapel in Gonzales, Texas with Reverend Domingo Granado II officiating. A Private Interment will follow at a later time at Saint James Catholic Cemetery. A Rosary will be recited on Thursday, August 14, 2014 at 7:00 pm at Buffington Funeral Home Chapel in Gonzales, Texas with Deacon John Klapuch officiating.

Willie was born on February 9, 1948 in Smiley, Texas. He was the son of Willie and Jobita (Madrid) Mendez, Sr. Willie married Martha Granado on January 30, 1971 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Gonzales, Texas.

He enjoyed fixing things-from cars to vcrs, to lawnmowers; anything that posed a challenge to his naturally curious and scientific mind. He was an incredible dancer with exceptional “moves” and a style all his own. Everyone and anyone that came in contact with Willie instantly found him charming. He was a friend to the world. Willie spent 1967 to 1979 as a mechanic for the Continental Egg Plant, and then took over running the Mendez Family Egg Farm until his retirement in 1981, following physical problems due to health issues. After his recovery, Willie was a constant friend and companion to his wife, and would often help her by repairing broken items around the house, keeping things tidy, and generally keeping his house in order; outside & in. Willie enjoyed spending time with his son and playing with his young nephews, whom he loved very much.

Willie is survived by his wife, Martha Mendez, one son; Ruben Mendez and his wife, Lacey Swain of Seattle Washington, one sister; Shirley Perez and her husband, Manuel of Seguin, Texas, numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; Willie and Jobita Mendez, Jr., and one sister; Lydia Madrid Neria. He will surely be missed.

The family request memorials to: National Kidney Foundation / 30 East 33rd St. / New York, NY 10016

To join the family in celebrating Willie’s life, and to sign the online guestbook, please go to: www.buffingtonfuneralhomegonzales.com