Antonio Juarez Mendez

Antonio Juárez Méndez was called to be with his Lord and his beloved wife on June 14, 2014. He was a caring father and intimidatingly tireless worker who devoted his life to supporting his large family. He was born in Rascón, San Luis Potosí, México, to Simona and Maurilio Méndez, and was orphaned at an early age. From his teenage years, he endured many hardships in México, providing for his own survival, and sometimes that of his younger brother, José, while working jobs such as breaking horses and vaquero, dairy and farm work, and living in the open air much of the time. As a young man, he and his wife made the perilous journey on foot to the U.S., eventually obtaining resident status, and later, U.S. citizenship. In the U.S. he worked many years in and around Plainview, Texas as a farmworker, then a farm operator, and retired as a custodian with the City of Austin. Throughout his life, and his later years of illness, he faced good times, and hardship and failing health, with grace and dignity, an unwavering spirit, and a sense of humor. He enjoyed making everyone laugh. He took great pleasure in the outdoors and gardening, and had a vast knowledge of natural plants and herbs. While having little formal education, he enjoyed reading the newspaper and was an astute follower of local and world politics.

He is preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Antonia "María" Méndez; brothers Apolonio Méndez and José Pérez; grandson, Mark Anthony Juárez; and son-in-law, Robert Robbins.

Antonio is survived by sister, Liode Méndez; and sons and daughters-in-law, Adan, Eliazar (Tina), Manuel (Margaret), Eduardo (Earlene), Maurilio (Rosemary), Emilio (Lupe), Alberto (María), Miguel (Peggy), Alfredo (Jennifer) and Arturo (Kimberly); Daughters and sons-in-law, María Elena (Robert), Anita (Mario), Virginia (Joe) and Elvia (Ernest); 25 grandchildren; and 22 great-grandchildren.

Rosary will be recited at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday June 17, 2014 at Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home, 2620 S. Congress. Funeral Mass will be at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday June 18, 2014 at Santa Cruz Catholic Church (Buda), with interment to follow at Assumption Cemetery (Austin).

The family wishes to express its gratitude for his many caregivers over the years, and Legend Oaks Health Care and Hospice Austin for his final care.