Fred Cavazos Mendez

Our beloved Fred Cavazos Mendez, 95, was called by our Heavenly Father on Saturday, Jan 7, 2017. He was born February 14, 1921 in McFaddin, TX to Manuel Hernandez Mendez and Santos Cavazos. He married Lucy Estrada on March 11, 1944 in Austin. He is preceded him in death by his wife, Lucy Mendez who passed on October 23, 2000; his daughter, Theresa Ann Estrada on September 24, 2001.

Fred proudly served in the United States Army for nearly 6 years during World War ll. He enlisted at the age of 18 at Ft Sam Houston where he received his training with the 2nd division, also seeing combat duty with that same unit in the North African and Sicilian campaigns. He was honorably discharged after the end of war with a Private First Class rank in the 405th Infantry division and was decorated with many medals, badges, and ribbons.

After establishing himself in Austin following the war, he found his passion of photography and worked for Studtman Photo Service and later Back in a Flash. Fred's love for photography didn't end there, where he found himself snapping shots for numerous weddings, quinceaneras, reunions, many other occasions, and of course of his loving family.

Fred was an honest and genuine man. He loved sparking up conversations with just about anyone. The kindness he shared with everyone will be unforgettable. His generosity and will to help others was the kind that he would give the coat off his back to a friend in need and for these reasons we will continue to remember him always.

Fred is survived by his two granddaughters, Audrey Celeste Camarillo and Alexandria Elaine Zapata; two great-grandchildren, Joey and Izabella, and multiple family members.

He will be dearly missed and always remembered by his family, friends, and neighbors.

Recitation of the Holy Rosary will be held at 7:00 pm on Wednesday, January 18, 2017 at Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home, 2620 South Congress Avenue.

Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 am on Thursday, January 19, 2017 at San Jose Catholic Church, 2435 Oak Crest, Austin, Texas.